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Subcommittee hears bill to boost MACVSO grant for technical assistance coordinators
Summary
Senate File 14‑52 would increase an annual grant to the Minnesota Association of County Veteran Service Officers from $100,000 to $160,000 to fund three technical assistance coordinators focused on women veterans, suicide prevention and justice‑involved veterans; bill was laid over for possible inclusion.
The subcommittee also considered Senate File 14‑52 on March 3, a proposal to raise a state grant for the Minnesota Association of County Veteran Service Officers (MACVSO) from $100,000 to $160,000.
Sponsor Sen. Putnam said the additional $60,000 would fund three technical assistance coordinator positions — $20,000 each — to provide statewide support in three areas: women veterans, veteran suicide prevention, and veterans involved in the justice system. The proposal would allow unspent 2026 funds to carry into 2027 for the coordinator work.
Dr. Christy Janigo, who serves as MACVSO legislative chair and as a county assistant veteran service officer, testified in support and described the coordinators’ intended duties: delivering national training, offering subject‑matter coaching to county VSOs, and traveling to counties that request hands‑on assistance. Janigo said justice‑involved veterans, in particular, require intensive, cross‑system support and described cases in which benefit awards and assistance helped veterans obtain housing and treatment.
Committee members praised county veteran service officers’ work and acknowledged the small size of the request relative to potential outcomes. SF 14‑52 was laid over for possible inclusion in broader legislation.
