After Gov. Dayton and legislative leaders failed to reach an agreement by the constitutionally mandated adjournment date of May 22, the legislature held a three-day special session to complete the budget for the next two fiscal years. The special session wrapped up early Friday (May 26) morning after passing a series of budget bills and a bonding bill to provide funding for infrastructure projects.

The governor signed all of the budget bills and a bonding bill on Tuesday, May 30.

The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs budget was included in special session SF 1, the omnibus state government finance bill. The bill funds MDVA operations for fiscal years 2018-19.

There was new money allocated to operate the new Minnesota Veterans cemetery in Duluth, which will open later this year. There was also a policy change to expand the MN GI Bill. Beneficiaries can use the money for apprenticeship and on-the-job training funding and other professional and educational assistance. This will allow increased flexibility for users.

The state government finance bill also included a grant for Veterans Journey Home. The grant must be used to support the development of new or rehabilitated affordable housing dedicated for low-to-moderate income Veterans and their families.

The MDVA Veterans Health Care division received its funding to operate the five Minnesota Veterans Homes in Fergus Falls, Hastings, Luverne, Minneapolis and Silver Bay. There was no money included to fund a new Veterans home.

Bridge repair funded

The bonding bill, which funds public infrastructure projects had $990 million worth of projects included in the bill. For MDVA, it includes $7.85 million to repair the Historic Truss Bridge at the Minnesota Veterans Home – Minneapolis. There is also funding for asset preservation to repair and replace critical needs at the Veterans homes.

Governor Dayton signed these bills along with other budget bills on Tuesday, May 30.