A PDF version of this fact sheet /mdva/assets/2019-02-19-budget-veterans-affairs_tcm1066-372082.pdfis available here to download

The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. Veterans face many challenges including translating their military skills and experiences to civilian occupations, unemployment & underemployment, short- and long-term medical issues resulting from their military duty and a continuous and growing need for long-term care.

MDVA exists to fulfill the needs of the more than 327,000 Veterans and their families by providing innovative programs and services to maximize their quality of life, while monitoring and adapting to emerging needs. To carry on in this mission, MDVA is seeking additional funding to continue to contribute to achieving the following statewide outcomes: all Minnesotans have optimal health, Minnesotans have the education and skills needed to achieve their goals, and have strong and stable families and communities.

PROGRAMS & SERVICES OPERATING ADJUSTMENT

Maintaining Access for Veterans to MDVA State Programs
The Programs and Services Division is committed to assisting Veterans from all eras of conflict in securing the important benefits and resources they have earned through their service. Through MDVA’s state programs, Minnesota Veterans and their families can access support for housing, education, employment and other financial assistance. To maintain the current level of service, investing an additional $544,000 will allow MDVA to avoid cutting Veterans Services staff and continue outreach efforts which currently connect with Veterans in all 87 of Minnesota’s counties.

Continuing Much Needed Programs to Diverse Populations
Governor Walz’s budget will maintain some of the most needed resources for Veterans which include the Higher Education Program, Women Veterans Program, Claims and Field Outreach, Gold Star Family Program and the Tribal Veterans Service Officer Program. Without the necessary funding, these important programs - and more - will be in jeopardy.

STATE VETERANS CEMETERY OPERATING ADJUSTMENT

Sustaining Minnesota’s Three State Veterans Cemeteries
Governor Walz’s budget contains $775,000 in additional funds for the operating costs of Minnesota’s three State Veterans Cemeteries in Little Falls, Preston and Duluth. This funding will allow MDVA to manage both current operations capacity and anticipated future levels of burial services to Minnesota Veterans and their families. Currently the Cemeteries are forced to use funds from cemetery maintenance development accounts which are designated to cover emergency and routine equipment repairs, equipment replacement, facility repairs and other non-salary costs. This funding will reduce the demand on those accounts and would ensure consistent operations at each of the cemeteries, providing honorable burial services and lasting tributes to our nation’s heroes and their family members.

MINNESOTA CORE PROGRAM SERVICE ADJUSTMENT

Bringing Essential, Community-Based Services Directly to Veterans
Governor Walz’s budget includes $500,000 in additional funds to the Minnesota Service CORE (Case management, Outreach, Referral and Education) Program. CORE is dedicated to strengthening service members, Veterans and their families at no cost by providing access to care for mental and behavioral health, employment, housing and financial counseling. This unique, nationally recognized partnership between MDVA and Lutheran Social Services allows case workers to respond to Veterans and their families across the state and in their communities who are experiencing challenges of various aspects of life. The CORE program has experienced steady growth – last year the program served Veterans and their families in 63 of Minnesota’s 87 counties. This additional funding will support the increase in service needs and let Veterans know Minnesota stands behind them, ready to serve.

VETERANS HEALTHCARE MEDICAL SERVICE PROVIDER ADJUSTMENT

Minnesota Veterans Homes Cost Savings
The Governor recommends that MDVA develop and implement a more efficient and effective model for the provision of clinical services, while maintaining the highest levels of care. Realignment of existing medical provider services to residents at the Minneapolis, Hastings, and Silver Bay Veterans Homes – assigning responsibilities to the appropriate clinical discipline for which providers are currently trained and licensed – pursuant to a goal of securing a cost savings and decreased demand on operational funding at the Minnesota State Veterans Homes.

Additional Budget for One Minnesota fact sheets regarding Education, Health Care, and Community Prosperity are available here at the Governor's website.