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Subcommittee lays over $25,000 request for Fishing with Vets to expand trips and training
Summary
Senate File 17‑82 would appropriate $25,000 to Fishing with Vets, a nonprofit that runs free guided fishing trips for veterans; witnesses said the money would fund 5–6 additional trips and training for volunteer guides on mental‑health crisis management.
The subcommittee considered Senate File 17‑82, which would appropriate $25,000 to Fishing with Vets, a volunteer nonprofit that organizes guided, no‑cost fishing trips for Minnesota veterans.
Sen. Farnsworth sponsored the bill and said the program has grown from roughly seven trips annually to more than 20 and serves about 250 veterans a year. Bob Stearns, director of operations, said the organization is all‑volunteer and raises funds through events and private donations; the requested $25,000 would help underwrite five to six additional trips (estimated cost about $200 per veteran per weekend) and $5,000 for mental‑health training for volunteer guides.
Veterans who participated described the trips as reconnecting them with fellow service members and aiding recovery from trauma. The bill was laid over for possible inclusion.
