This bill appropriates $150,000 for fiscal year 2026 and another $150,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the arts and cultural heritage fund to fund veteran retreats at Camp Bliss in Walker. It directs the commissioner of administration to issue a grant to Independent Lifestyles, Inc., to cover expenses for eligible veterans and their family members. The grant reimburses the organization $850 per eligible veteran or family member per visit (up to two visits yearly) for services like therapy, transportation, and camp maintenance. Eligible veterans include former service members with a DD-214 or current active/reserve members, and family members include spouses, domestic partners, or children.
HF 1997 appropriates $25,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $25,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to provide a grant to Fishing with Vets, a nonprofit organization. The grant funds guided fishing trips for veterans across Minnesota, directly benefiting veterans seeking recreational therapy. The bill requires the commissioner of veterans affairs to submit annual reports by January 15 detailing how the grant money was spent, including any administrative costs, to legislative committees and the Legislative Reference Library. Fishing with Vets must provide necessary information to support these reports.
This bill establishes a grant program to fund county veterans service offices and the Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers. Counties receive a base $7,500 annual grant for outreach, veteran reintegration, and reducing veteran homelessness, plus additional funds up to $20,000 based on their veteran population size (e.g., $10,000 for counties with 10,000-20,000 veterans). The state association gets $160,000 annually - $60,000 specifically for three technical assistance coordinators focused on women veterans, suicide prevention, and justice-involved veterans. The bill appropriates $60,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to support these grants, with unspent 2026 funds rolling into 2027.
SF 3275 appropriates $250,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $250,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the arts and cultural heritage fund to Hometown Hero Outdoors, a Stillwater-based nonprofit. The bill funds outdoor recreational activities and mental health services specifically for currently serving military personnel and veterans. This grant aims to improve mental health, promote longevity, and support community interactions through organized outdoor programs. The funding is allocated to a single nonprofit organization to deliver these services, with no new state laws created.
HF 1504 appropriates $50,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $50,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the commissioner of veterans affairs. The funds are specifically designated for grants to "Veterans on the Lake" to cover expenses related to veteran retreats. These expenses include therapy, transportation, and customized activities for veterans. The bill directly affects the Veterans on the Lake organization and the veterans participating in their retreat programs.
This bill appropriates $50,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 and another $50,000 for fiscal year 2027 to Forgotten Heroes Ranges and Retreat, a nonprofit organization. The funds are designated for expenses related to veteran retreats, including transportation and customized activities. The commissioner of veterans affairs must submit annual reports detailing how the grant money was used, including administrative costs, to legislative committees by January 15 each year. This bill directly supports veterans participating in the nonprofit's retreat programs through financial assistance.
HF 2444 is a Minnesota state budget bill that allocates funding for military and veterans services. It provides $30 million for Military Affairs (2026) and $33.5 million (2027), plus $141.9 million for Veterans Affairs (2026) and $146.7 million (2027), including $111.3 million for veterans health care. The bill requires new reporting on federal Medicare reimbursements for veterans homes, allocates $550,000 annually for suicide prevention programs, and mandates a memorial plaque for Gold Star and Blue Star families at the State Capitol. These provisions directly affect Minnesota veterans, military families, and state agencies managing veterans' benefits and facilities.
HF 1514 appropriates $400,000 annually from the general fund for the Veterans Resilience Project to provide eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. It directly serves veterans, veterans' spouses, active military service members, and their spouses diagnosed with PTSD or trauma. The bill requires the project to submit annual reports by January 15 to the commissioner of veterans affairs and relevant legislative committees, detailing program spending, participants served, and services provided. This funding and reporting mechanism ensures targeted mental health support for military-connected individuals while maintaining transparency.
HF 532 appropriates $150,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $150,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the commissioner of veterans affairs for veteran retreats at Camp Bliss in Walker. The funds reimburse Independent Lifestyles, Inc. $850 per eligible veteran or family member per visit (up to two visits yearly) for services like therapy, transportation, and camp maintenance. Eligible veterans include former service members with a DD-214 or current military members, and their spouses, domestic partners, or children. This bill directly provides funding for retreat programs supporting veterans and their families through a specific reimbursement mechanism.
HF 492 appropriates $250,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $250,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to fund mental health services and outdoor recreational activities for currently serving military personnel and veterans in Minnesota. The funds are directed to Hometown Hero Outdoors, a Stillwater-based nonprofit, to support programs promoting mental wellness, community interaction with professionals, and quality of life through outdoor engagement. This bill specifically provides dedicated funding for an existing nonprofit's established services rather than creating new state programs. It directly affects military members and veterans by expanding access to mental health support and outdoor activities through this designated organization. The appropriation is limited to these specific fiscal years and services as outlined in the bill.
