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Senate committee hears veterans’ testimony on Helmets to Hard Hats program; bill laid over for inclusion
Summary
Senate File 17‑56, which would support the Minnesota Helmets to Hard Hats program connecting veterans to registered‑apprenticeship construction careers, was heard with testimony from program staff and veterans. The committee adopted an author's amendment and laid the bill over for possible inclusion.
Senate File 17‑56, presented March 4 by Senator Erik Kupak, authorizes support for Minnesota’s Helmets to Hard Hats program, which connects veterans, reservists and transitioning service members to registered apprenticeship opportunities in the construction trades.
“Helmets to Hard Hats is a national nonprofit organization that connects the National Guard, Reserve, retired and transitioning active‑duty military members with skilled training and quality careers in the construction industry,” Senator Erik Kupak said, offering the bill’s author’s amendment. The committee adopted the amendment and a subsequent A2 amendment and then heard testimony from program staff and participants.
Justin Ross, director of Minnesota Helmets to Hard Hats, deferred much of the testimony to program participant Calvin Belfry. Belfry, a Navy veteran who said he had little prior construction experience, described signing up for the program, attending training at the Carpenter’s Training Institute and being placed in a carpentry apprenticeship. “My life has changed,” Belfry told the committee. He credited program mentors and local union contacts for rapid connections to schooling, apprenticeships and steady work.
Ross provided outcome figures in testimony: he said Minnesota’s Helmets to Hard Hats had enrolled more than 1,200 service members historically with nearly 230 placed in construction careers through registered apprenticeship; he additionally reported more current figures during the hearing — roughly 1,500 participants in the program to date, 278 veterans utilizing the program in the cited year, and about 47 veterans entering trades that year. He also noted awards for the program, including a 2023 Department of Veterans Affairs vocational rehabilitation community partner award and a national 2024 Hire Vets Medallion recognition.
Committee members praised the program’s veteran supports and placement outcomes. After questions and discussion the committee laid Senate File 17‑56, as amended, over for possible inclusion; no committee roll‑call vote on final passage was recorded at the hearing.
Sources: testimony by Senator Erik Kupak; Justin Ross, director, Minnesota Helmets to Hard Hats; Calvin Belfry, program participant.
