Administration collaborated with Legislature to increase funding for veteran initiatives
ST. PAUL, MN - Today, Lt. Governor Tina Smith thanked Minnesota County Veterans Service Officers for their service to veterans and their families in helping them navigate the state and federal systems for military benefits. Lt. Governor Smith provided her remarks during the 2015 Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers Fall Conference Banquet in Nisswa.
"Minnesota veterans have again and again done extraordinary things in service to our state and our country," said Lt. Governor Tina Smith. "When they return home, we have a responsibility to serve them. Thank you for the work you do to help Minnesota veterans and families access the resources they've earned."
Understanding the importance of their work, Governor Dayton and Lt. Governor Smith worked with the legislature to secure an additional $2 million for grants to County Veterans Service Officers in 2013. This was on top of $200,000 in base funding, increasing the state's investment in CVSOs to $1.1 million per year. This increased funding has enhanced one-on-one services that help veterans and their families obtain state and federal benefits.
About the Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers
The Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers represents Officers in all 87 counties in Minnesota. County Veterans Service Officers were established by the Minnesota Legislature in 1943, requiring each county to employ an officer to assist veterans and their families in accessing state and federal veterans' benefits.
These officers are the primary point of contact for nearly 370,000 Minnesota veterans and their families who seek assistance in securing benefits, including filing claims for federal and state disability benefits, enrolling in the veterans' healthcare system, and obtaining their military discharge form. These Officers also disseminate information on veterans' benefits and facilitate referrals to appropriate outside agencies.
Supporting Minnesota Veterans and Families
Governor Dayton and Lt. Governor Smith have worked with the legislature to support Minnesota veterans and military families, including new investments in veteran services and initiatives. Those investments include:
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Investing in Minnesota's Veterans Homes - This year, Governor Dayton advocated for a $10.8 million increase to the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs to provide for increased staffing at Minnesota veterans homes. And the 2013 bonding bill included $18.9 million to complete Phase 3 of the Minneapolis Veterans Home replacement project, which will leverage federal funding to provide high-quality, skilled nursing services for Minnesota's veterans.
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Military Spouses and Family Day - Governor Dayton signed a law this year designating the Sunday before Memorial Day as "Military Spouses and Families Day," to honor the support and sacrifices of military spouses and families make for our country.
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Allowing Local Veteran Service Agencies to Share Information so Veterans and Families Can More Easily Access Benefits - Governor Dayton recently signed a law giving local veteran service agencies more flexibility to share information, so the burden does not fall on veterans and their families to provide the same documentation to multiple agencies in order to access services.
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One-on-One Help for Veterans - The 2013 budget provided $2 million in increased grant funding for County Veteran Services Offices, which help veterans and their families obtain the benefits and services they earned through their military service.
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Expansion of the Minnesota GI Bill - With an additional $1 million investment, the Minnesota GI Bill program will expand to include all generations of veterans - not just those serving on or after 9/11. This expansion will help ensure all Minnesota veterans have access to the education and training they need to get good-paying jobs.
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Proper Burial for Military Veterans - Governor Dayton is committed to ensuring all veterans who request funeral honors receive them. For that reason, the 2013 budget included $400,000 in permanent funding for the Honor Guard Program, which supports veterans and their families by providing military funeral honors earned through their service and sacrifice.
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Supporting Military Families after the Loss of a Loved One - The 2013 budget provided $200,000 in permanent funding for the Gold Star Program, which supports the families of those service members who lost their lives in combat as they heal from their loss. This state funding commitment will help restore the program after losing authority to use federal funds.
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New State Veterans Cemetery in Fillmore County - The state invested $425,000 in start-up and on-going funding for a new state veterans cemetery in Fillmore County. This cemetery will provide burial space for nearly 40,000 veterans. Governor Dayton believes every veteran deserves a dignified final resting place.
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Addressing Veteran Homelessness - The 2013 budget included $500,000 in increased grant funding for the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans, which works in collaboration with community organizations to help veterans and their families who are experiencing homelessness.
