(KNSI) — Inside this year’s funding packages and bills were several provisions addressing the needs of veterans.
One passed as part of the final tax bill reverses an unintended consequence resulting from the Disabled Veterans’ Homestead Market Value Exclusion. That reduced the market value for qualifying homeowners with a disability rating of 70% by $150,000 and $300,000 for veterans considered totally or permanently disabled. Before 2019, surviving spouses also qualified for the exclusion for eight years following the veteran’s death. That was extended from eight years to when the spouse remarries or sells the property. Senator Jeff Howe (R-Rockville), who authored the bill, says there was a gap between the expiration of the eight year exclusion and the lifetime exclusion, leaving many surviving spouses in a “sunset gap,” where they no longer received this benefit.
The transportation bill includes a new designation for driver’s licenses and state ID cards to recognize the holder’s veteran status. A DD214 form was required for veterans to receive discounts at businesses, but now the license or ID with the designation status can be used instead of the DD214. The license designation does not change any VA benefits.
As part of the veterans omnibus bill, there is now language addressing post-service grants allocating an additional $15 million to cover any veterans who could not get a post-war bonus. Last year, $24 million was allocated for the bonuses for veterans who served after 9/11. This adds to that pile to offer benefits to more veterans.
Funding was also allocated to bolster staffing and services at the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum at Camp Ripley. It will allow the museum to hire staff and engage in outreach with veterans throughout the state.
Howe, who championed these bills, issued a statement explaining why veterans causes are so near and dear to him.
“Veterans have given so much to serve our state and country, and it’s important that we honor them by listening to their needs, addressing their concerns, and passing legislation that supports them and their families. We funded a number of important initiatives that will help veterans and their families as they start or continue their post-service life. Many of these bills have been in the works for quite some time, and I’m glad we could finally get them done-we owe that much to the brave veterans throughout our state who stepped up to serve.”
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