The week of the third deadline shared the difference in spending philosophies between the Senate and the House for Veterans issues. Each chamber introduced their own version of Veterans and Military Affairs omnibus bills in committees.

On Wednesday morning, the Senate Finance committee heard SF 3875 authored by Veterans and Military Affairs committee chair Sen. Andrew Lang. He amended the bill to provide supplemental funding to the new Veterans homes in Bemidji, Montevideo, and Preston. The funding would be used for furnishing and equipment needs of the homes. The bill also provides funding for the Minnesota National Guards’ enlistment and reenlistment bonuses.

Later in the afternoon, the House Labor, Industry, Veterans and Military Affairs committee unanimously approved an omnibus bill that provides more Veterans funding than the Senate version.

The following funding items were included in the House version-

• Service bonus to Minnesota’s post-9/11 Veterans (HF 4365)
• Increase grants to Veterans Service Organizations (HF 4335)
• Fargo VA Medical Center Fisher House construction (HF 4311)
• Redwood Falls State Veterans Cemetery operation funding (HF 4334)
• Changes to County Veterans Service Officer grants (HF 4333)
• Tenancy supports and landlord engagement activities for homeless Veterans (HF 4337)
• Low-barrier, permanent supportive housing for Veterans (HF 4324)
• Increased engagement and outreach activities; support temporary housing options (HF 4358)
• Metro Meals on Wheels Veterans program funding (HF 3036)
• Veterans Suicide Prevention Initiative

The House version does not provide the supplemental funding for the new Veterans homes. That will likely be included in a Capital Investment bill that funds infrastructure needs.

The legislature now takes some time off for the Easter and Passover break and will return on Monday, April 18. When legislators return, they will have a month and five days to find compromises and finish work before the constitutional deadline of May 23.