Governor Signs Veterans’ Omnibus and Mental Health Bills Thursday

(KNSI) — Governor Tim Walz held a ceremonial bill signing for the comprehensive veterans’ omnibus bill and National Guard retention bonus bill.

The bill includes nearly $25 million for service bonuses to post-9/11 era veterans and Gold Star Families in 2023. It puts $5.4 million toward the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans to help veterans and their families who are homeless or are in danger of being homeless. The bill also includes $1.7 million annually to fund temporary housing options for veterans and former service members experiencing homelessness and to increase outreach activities to end homelessness.

Four million dollars will go toward enlistment incentives designed to retain the trained and ready members of the Minnesota National Guard for 2023 through 2025.

Both bills passed the Minnesota House and Senate with nearly unanimous support.

“I’m grateful to the legislature for making our National Guard service members, veterans, and their families a priority this year,” said Governor Walz. “This legislation is going to improve the lives of those who have sacrificed for our state and nation.”

Walz is a 24 year veteran of the National Guard.

He also signed an omnibus mental health budget bill into law Thursday, investing millions in the state’s mental health system.

The money will increase hospital bed capacity, attract new mental health care professionals, and expand the use of mobile crisis units. This bill includes $13 million to support children and youth experiencing mental health crises.

There is also $30 million set aside to establish competency restoration services for those in the criminal justice system found not competent to stand trial and $4.1 million in loan forgiveness grants for mental health providers and professionals.

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