Last week’s work on Veterans issues focused solely on the Minnesota House taking up SF 1959, the Veterans and Military Affairs omnibus bill. Though the bill is labeled as a Senate File, the House substituted its version (originally HF 2444) for discussion and eventual passage. When the conference committee convenes, it will be referred as the SF 1959 Conference Committee.

Debate included amendments to add language requiring accreditation for those working on Veterans benefits claims, the amendments were struck down. Discussion on the overall bill included praise for the inclusion of a task force to allow Secret Guerilla Units from the Vietnam War to receive benefits and recognition for their service. Also mentioned was the reduction in funding for Veteran Homelessness prevention programs. In the end, the bill passed 126-6.

The conferees have been named for the SF 1959 Conference Committee. House members include co-chairs Reps. Matt Bliss and Jay Xiong, DFL Vice-Chair Rep. Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger and Rep. Bidal Duran. Senate members include Chair Aric Putnam, Subcommittee on Veterans Ranking Member Bruce Anderson and Sen. Heather Gustafson. An initial meeting has yet to be scheduled.

Those around the Capitol are waiting for an agreement on joint budget targets between legislative leadership and the governor. Leaders have been meeting throughout the week attempting to close the gap. Another item still to be unveiled is a tax bill that could have changes for Veterans including the Disabled Veteran Homestead Market Value Exclusion and property tax changes for Veteran Service Organization posts.