The Senate passed the State Government finance bill, which includes Veterans related provisions on Wednesday with a vote of 36-30. The House unveiled its version of the bill and began working on the legislation.

The House State Government Finance bill contains the base funding for MDVA which includes money for operating the Programs and Services division along with the Minnesota Veterans Homes. It also contains a change item request to amend and expand the use of the Minnesota GI Bill. This change would allow users to pay for costs such as school applications, exams, licensing and other certifications. It would also improve equity between the Apprenticeship and On-the-Job-Training (OJT) program and the higher education benefit.

Also included is $700,000 for the Veterans Journey Home project which helps low to moderate income Veterans find permanent housing. Additionally, the bill provides a $500,000 grant through the Humanities Center for the Veterans Defense Project.

The State Government Finance bill does not include MDVA’s request to operate the new Duluth Veterans Cemetery, which was included in both the Governor’s proposal as well as the Senate. Like the Senate bill, this bill doesn’t provide any repair and betterment money for buildings at the five Minnesota Veterans Homes.

The Ways and Means committee is scheduled to hear this legislation on Monday. Upon approval it can be voted on by the entire House of Representatives. Both of those actions will likely take place before the end of next week since legislators are taking a week off ahead of the Easter and Passover holidays. After the break, conference committees will begin to work out the differences between the two State Government Finance bills.