Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs

Minnesota Veteran - June

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Desk of the Commissioner - June

Happy Summer! As I write this column – in addition to dealing with the hot days of June – I am closely watching the Minnesota Legislature in its Special Session. Activity is “hot” at the Capitol as well as we eagerly await the outcomes.

This year’s Legislative session has been focused on creating the budget for the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 biennium. MDVA is also working with the Legislature on agency policy initiatives and is fortunate to have historically received bi-partisan support for the work we do on behalf of Minnesota’s Veterans. We are hopeful that MDVA will receive funding for several priorities.

June is Pride Month!

The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) recognizes June as Pride Month to commemorate the struggle for civil rights and celebrating the impact of LGBTQ+ individuals around the world.

As shared by Gov. Walz in his 2021 Proclamation of Pride Month, this year marks the 52nd anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising against police brutality toward the LGBTQ+ communities and is a time to recommit ourselves to creating a state where our LGBTQ+ community members are safe and thriving.

MDVA Celebrated Women Veterans Day - June 12

Here at MDVA we recognized June 12 as Women Veterans Day! We salute our Women Veterans from all eras. The first Women Veterans Day was held June 12, 2018, marking the 70th anniversary of the groundbreaking Women's Armed Services Integration Act, signed into law by President Harry S. Truman on June 12, 1948. That law enabled women to serve as permanent, regular members of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy and the recently formed Air Force.

Governor Tim Walz proclamation
MDVA Women Veteran Resources
The Origin of Women Veterans Day

Meet SOT Grant Recipient: Disabled American Veterans of Minnesota (DAV)

Did you know when you buy the “Support Our Troops” (SOT) License Plate, you are helping Minnesota Veterans and their families?

Disabled American Veterans of Minnesota (DAV) was awarded a $60,000 SOT grant to support their “Transportation Program.” DAV’s Transportation Program is a rapidly expanding, volunteer-driver initiative designed to provide Minnesota Veterans with transportation to their medical appointments at no cost to the Veteran. The program currently serves Veterans residing in the Twin Cities Metro, Central, Northeast, Northwest and Southeast areas of Minnesota with the recent addition of Mankato to the communities DAV’s Transportation Program serves.

Legislative Update

Visit our Legislative Affairs page for the most recent:

You can also see the status of this session's Veteran-related legislation with our State Bill Tracker - updated throughout the week to provide you with the most up-to-date information.
News updates and press releases from Minnesota.

Updates will be provided throughout the session on the Legislative Affairs page.

MDVA Legislative Updates >>

MDVA COVID-19 Update

The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) remains committed to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. We are following CDC, CMS and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) guidance. Changes in our operations continue to provide a safe environment for both the Veterans and families we serve and our employees.