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Committee advances veterans and military omnibus; includes new funding for veterans homes and recognition of Hmong SGU veterans
Summary
The Senate Commerce Committee moved Senate File 1959 forward with major investments in veterans homes and armory bonding, plus adoption of an amendment to recognize SGU/Hmong irregulars who fought alongside U.S. forces in Laos.
The Senate Commerce Committee advanced an omnibus bill for the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Military Affairs on April 10, approving operating and capital adjustments aimed at veterans homes, armory projects and assistance programs.
Senator Andrew Putnam, presenting the bill, said the package was designed to direct most resources to veterans homes and other pressing needs. Putnam said the committee “increased the state bonding power for state armories from $15,000,000 to $45,000,000,” clarified education assistance for spouses of deceased veterans, established no-cost gold and blue star family plaques, and included language to require accreditation for paid claims advocates who assist veterans with benefits.
Senate fiscal staff walked members through the change-item spreadsheet. The spreadsheet shows operating adjustments for the Department of Military Affairs and the Department of Veterans Affairs, and a large operating…
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