The purpose of this information is to briefly outline the issues we believe you, as state legislators, will be addressing in the 2008 legislative session. We addresses a veteran’s issue along with our recommendation for legislative action.
We hope you will refer to this website throughout the session and find the information useful. Thank you for supporting our state’s veterans and for your service to the citizens of Minnesota.
View a PDF booklet of this information.
In the past, appropriations to the department have not been sufficient to fully fund vital veterans programs. While the department received an increase in funding in 2007, more financial support is necessary to meet the needs of Minnesota’s veterans.
Increased funding is necessary to tackle technology upgrades, continue operating the one-stop website, LinkVet; State Soldiers Assistance; County Service Offices Grant; Higher Education on Campus Veterans Representative and Outreach programs.
We would like to take this opportunity to provide you with information on these MDVA programs that the CTF supports, such as:
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs has worked hard this past year to increase access for all veterans to programs and benefit information. Reintegration, claims, benefits, and crisis programs continue to see an increase in demand and will require additional dollars which may not be available at current funding levels.
The CTF also supports two other legislative initiatives: the income tax exemption for military retirement pay, which may encourage retired military personnel to permanently settle in our state, and a policy change to strengthen Power of Attorney statutes to protect military personnel and veterans from fraud and abuse.
During this time of budget deficits, additional spending should be made available to MDVA to do as Abraham Lincoln stated so eloquently in his second inaugural address, “let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation’s wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan.”
Commanders Task Force Recommendation
The CTF strongly recommends that the 2008 Legislature support and vote in favor of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs legislative package.
MDVA is asking for $250,000 each year for additional claims office staff. There is a need for claims staff to be readily available statewide to provide services. These additional funds are needed for increased travel and training to improve service delivery for veterans. This request would also include hiring a Women Veterans Coordinator.
Commanders Task Force Recommendation
The CTF supports this initiative, because MDVA processes over 50% of all claims filed on behalf of Minnesota’s 410,000 veterans.
LinkVet, the toll-free customer service/crisis line for veterans, will need $720,000 each year to continue to help Minnesota veterans and their families access the benefits, services and care for which they are eligible.
This funding will keep this vital hotline in operation and help finance program software, a contract with crisis connection counselors, and provide additional staff and training.
Commanders Task Force Recommendation
The CTF supports this program and the request for additional monies for LinkVet. LinkVet continues to field calls from veterans needing assistance with housing, health, education, claims, pensions and many other issues. From its implementation in August of 2007, Linkvet Vet has answered 108 live chats, 1,548 phone calls and 457 email contacts.
The additional funding is necessary to hire staff to actively provide casework for veterans and their families who are experiencing complex multi-faceted issues in their lives. The goal is to have caseworkers remain assigned to the veteran until the veteran’s issue is resolved.
This proposal for an additional $750,000 each year will help meet the demand for grant requests from the FY 2007 grant appropriation. Grants can be used for multiple purposes, including reintegration of combat veterans, reducing homelessness in the veteran populations and improving service delivery. This program places a priority on outreach to underserved veterans.
The staffing request is to create a position responsible for CVSO training and oversight of the grant program. This position will provide overall leadership and coordination of veterans services and CVSOs.
Commanders Task Force Recommendation
The CTF supports this funding request because CVSOs are the “first point of contact” for veterans who need to obtain services.
CVSOs are experts in navigating through the bureaucracy of veterans services, benefits, claims and pensions. The CTF is committed to ensuring that CVSOs have sufficient funds to run their offices and receive excellent training empowering them to successfully assist Minnesota’s veterans.
Currently there are more than 15,000 military retirees living in Minnesota who receive hard-earned, well-deserved retirement benefits.
States differ in whether they exempt a portion or all of this veteran benefit. Currently, Minnesota has no tax exemption for Military Retired Pay.
Commanders Task Force Recommendation
The Legislature should exempt military retirement pay and the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) payments to surviving spouses from state taxation.
Many military retirees choose a location for retirement based, at least in part, on how their retirement pay is taxed at the state level. Many retirees who are originally from Minnesota choose to retire in states which do not fully tax this retirement benefit. By taxing this benefit, Minnesota loses out on any revenue these individuals would generate whether as a part of an academic, professional, medical or technical brain-trust, or as individuals who pursue second careers fueling the economy with new business starts and job creation.
Currently Minnesota is losing these highly sought after individuals, along with their leaderships skills, professional experience and retirement revenue to states that treat this income differently.
Throughout history when soldiers have fought in battles and survived combat, there has been PSTD. It wasn’t until after the Vietnam war that this psychological phenomenon was clinically identified and treatment options were developed and implemented.
Today’s returning veterans still must face the emotional and psychological effects of deployment in a war zone. Also, these new OIF/OEF combat veterans are at high risk for Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs).
MDVA is requesting an additional $200,000 each year for PTSD/TBI outreach and education. Monies will be used to promote existing federal screening programs and to commission a study regarding future mental health needs of returning veterans.
Commanders Task Force Recommendation
The CTF supports this initiative to help diagnose and treat PSTD and TBI in returning OIF/OEF combat veterans. The emotional and mental health of returning veterans is often the determining factor in the successful reintegration with their families, employers and community.
The State Soldiers Assistance Program provides cash assistance in the form of shelter payments (rent and mortgage), utilities, and personal needs grants to veterans who are unable to work as a result of a temporary disability. This program also provides assistance with dental and optical needs for veterans and their dependents who meet strict income and asset guidelines. Recognizing the impact war has on veterans and their families, SSAP provides special needs funding for personal counseling and/or family counseling. This program is being utilized at a higher rate now that deployed troops are returning home.
MDVA is asking for an additional $2.5 million each year to help meet the needs of these veterans who are experiencing financial hardships.
Commanders Task Force Recommendation
The CTF supports this request due to the needs of veterans and the widespread usage of this program.
Amending current Power of Attorney statutes to promote more restrictive powers and require accounting of records.
Commanders Task Force Recommendation
The CTF supports strengthening laws that protect veterans and military personnel from fraud and abuse.