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Here at the legislature, we recognize the courage and sacrifice our veterans have made across the state. While we remember those who bravely gave their lives in service to their countries through memorials throughout the state, we also need to be sure we are taking care of our men and women who come home. My father's generation was the first where PTSD and other trauma were finally recognized. Many veterans struggled to adjust after war. Though policy can never be perfect, we as a legislature should always be working for our veterans. Afterall, they put their lives on the line, and some even died, protecting our ability to govern and to live freely in our democratic republic.
We in the Suburban Solutions Caucus have worked on a number of bills to help our military members, veterans, and families.
House File 3304, authored by SSC member, Mark Wiens, aims to address concerns regarding the sentencing and probation of veterans involved in the criminal justice system. This bill was a Commanders Task Force top priority. It acts as a companion bill to the Veterans Reportative Justice Act, ensuring that our justice system adequately considers the unique circumstances of our military veterans. Under this new law, if the court imposes a deferred sentence for a veteran, it must prepare a report including the defendant's name, case number, underlying charges, the length and conditions of probation , and a copy of the sentencing work sheet. These will be filed into a report to the Sentencing Guidelines Commission who will share the report with the relevant legislative committees. In turn, this will help us better help our veterans by understanding the challenges they face. This bill thankfully passed with bipartisan support.
Additionally, there were three other important bills that did not get the same support from the majority party. One bill would have provided tax relief for veterans organizations such as our local VFWs and American Legions. Earlier in session, the bill passed the House, again with bipartisan support. It was added to the Tax bill, which eventually became the 1,432-page omnibus bill that passed on the last night of session on May 19th. However, this bill was unfortunately removed during conference committee and ended up not passing.
House File 3505 would have modernized the Homestead Market Exclusion, but unfortunately did not receive a hearing. This bill would have increased the property tax exclusion amount for veterans with disabilities. Finally, House File 3790, which also did not receive a hearing, would have provided some oversight as to where grants were being given by the commissioner of veterans affairs. After the Feeding our Future Scandal where a non-profit receiving millions in state aid to feed hungry children was found to be embezzling all that money without feeding any kids, we need to be more careful with what organizations we invest with. This bill would have helped ensure that grant money is being used for its intended purpose, to help our veterans.
While we worked hard to introduce and pass meaningful legislation for our men and women who served, it unfortunately did not get the attention it deserved from the majority. We had some wins, but many good bills went by the wayside because of the party of their author. Rest assured, we will always continue to work for our veterans, and will hopefully get the chance to bring these bills back up again next year.
On top of this, if you have other ways you think we could be supporting our veterans, please don't hesitate to reach out to my office via email, or feel free to give me a call. Also, if you're a veteran and need any assistance, I'm always happy to help.
Have a great weekend,
Representative Andrew Myers
House District 45A
Co-Chair of the Suburban Solutions Caucus
“Your voice has an impact.”
Serving Excelsior, Greenwood, Long Lake, Minnetonka Beach, Minnetrista, Mound, Orono, Shorewood, Spring Park, St. Bonifacius and Tonka Bay
Please Contact Me
Please continue to reach out with thoughts, ideas, and priorities by emailing me directly at rep.andrew.myers@house.mn.gov or calling me at my office at (651) 296-9188 or via my cell at (612) 615-8444. Your voice has an impact and allows me to better address the priorities of you and your neighbors. Thank you and have a great week.
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