The state legislature returned from its Easter and Passover break to continue work ahead of the constitutional date of adjournment on May 22. The House and Senate announced conference committee for each of the budget bills that need to be reconciled.

The MDVA budget is included in the State Government Finance budget bill. The House conferees named for the committee include Reps. Sarah Anderson, Bob Dettmer, Tim O'Driscoll, Jim Nash and Kelly Fenton. The Senate members include Sens. Mary Kiffmeyer, Bruce Anderson, Dan Hall, Mark Koran and Carolyn Laine.

Beyond the State Government Finance bill there are Veterans related provisions in other pieces of budget bills. They are as follows:

Tax bill
Both the House and Senate bills contain changes to the Homestead Market Exclusion for disabled Veterans, but the changes vary. The Senate version eliminates the eight-year limit for surviving spouses and allows Veterans with a disability rating of 100%, but non-permanent to receive the $300,000 exclusion.

The House bill allows for surviving spouses of Veterans who died any time after December 31, 2011 to receive the exclusion. Eliminates the annual application requirement for eligibility changes, but requires annual certification of a disability rating. Another provision in the House tax bill reduces the property tax burden for congressionally chartered Veteran Service Organization buildings like American Legion and VFW Posts by about 33%.

Legacy bill
The House bill contains $30,000 to complete the Rice County Veterans Memorial in Faribault and $50,000 to complete the Waseca County Veterans Memorial.

The Senate version creates a $200,000 competitive grant program to provide grants to local units of government for Veterans memorials. It also includes $250,000 to complete design and construction of the Medal of Honor memorial at the Capitol. The money won’t be made available until $250,000 in matching funds has been pledged. 

Finally, the bill contains $222,000 for Camp Legionville to update the dining facility and $200,000 for Veterans’ Voices program at the Humanities Center

Both versions of the bill include $278,000 to build a welcome center at the Veterans Rest Camp.

NOTE: The Legacy Bill is awaiting a vote by the full Senate as of April 21.

Environment and Natural Resources
The Senate bill includes two Veterans provisions, the first is free annual state park permit for disabled Veterans. The second states that the commissioner of natural resources must reserve one bear hunt permit and give first preference for a resident of a Minnesota Veterans home if there is a limit on bear hunters.

The House bill does not include Veterans related provisions.

Judiciary and Public Safety
The House version includes clarification that says if anyone impersonates a military service member, Veteran or public official as a way to mislead others they will be guilty of a misdemeanor.

Jobs
Both versions include $400,000 for Helmets to Hardhats to recruit, retain, assist and support National Guard, reserve, active duty military members and Veterans participation in apprenticeship programs in the building and construction industry.

Higher Education
Both versions include $350,000 for the Veterans to agriculture pilot program. The funding will continue the program at South Central College in North Mankato as well as up to six program sites statewide. The program is designed to facilitate the entrance of Veterans into careers related to agriculture and food production, processing and distribution through academic training.