Senate Passes Bill Tightening State Government, Honoring Veterans

A bill allocating $876 million dollars for administrative agencies, state IT services, the Minnesota Historical Society and the Minnesota Humanities Center won Senate approval Thursday, April 25. Co-sponsored by Senator Mary Kiffmeyer, R-Big Lake, and Senator Bruce Anderson, R-Buffalo Township, it also provides $209 million dollars for veterans.

According to Kiffmeyer, the bill attempts several reforms to state budgeting and information technology while beefing up cyber security efforts.

Among the many provisions, the bill imposes a freeze on full-time employee positions and requires agencies to implement zero-based budgeting. It appropriates $20.5 million dollars for cybersecurity efforts and another $13 million dollars for election equipment.

In the area of veterans services, the measure allocates funds for the C.O.R.E. program, which offers counseling and education services for veterans and their families. It also authorizes about $32 million dollars for veteran homes in Preston, Montevideo and Bemidji. Finally, the bill designates a POW and MIA Recognition Day; an American Allies Day and a Veterans Suicide Awareness Day.

In an emotional debate, the Senate adopted an amendment offered by Senator Foung Hawj, DFL-St. Paul, declaring May 14 as Hmong Special Guerilla Units Memorial Day. St. Paul is home to the largest Hmong residents in the nation, and many immigrated following the Vietnam war, where many fought in the American Secret War in Laos.