Governor Signs Bills Into Law to Help Farmers, Boost Veterans’ Benefits

(KNSI) — Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed ten bills into law Thursday, including one to help dairy farmers and another to boost veterans’ benefits.

The bill amends the rules for the Dairy Assistance, Investment and Relief Initiative. The DAIRI program supports agriculture through farming research, education, and technology. It also changes how money is spent and who is responsible for managing it.

The bipartisan legislation sets specific funding amounts for different years and directs money to organizations, including the state’s agricultural experiment station and education leadership council. Funding will support agriculture research, education, disease prevention, and sustainable farming initiatives.

The bill was co-authored by St. Cloud-area Senator Aric Putnam and affects farmers, researchers, and agricultural organizations statewide.

Another measure improves state veteran support by giving the Commissioner of Veterans Affairs the authority to use government resources to support related programs. The commissioner can direct funding, staff, or other resources to help those facing issues like food insecurity, homelessness, or suicide prevention.

The bill also requires the commissioner to report to the governor and specific legislative committees about the resources used and the problems addressed during the previous year, ensuring transparency and accountability.

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