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| Date: | September 2, 2011 | | Contact Name: | Chris Van Guilder | | Contact Phone: | 651-296-1388 | | Contact Email: | christopher.vanguilder@senate.mn | | For Immediate Release | |
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| SENATOR PARRY ADDRESSES HONOR GUARD FUNDING, PROPOSES ADDITIONAL FUNDING OPTION |
(ST. PAUL) -- Sen. Mike Parry (R-Waseca), Chairman of the Senate State Government Innovation and Veterans Committee, addressed the issue of Honor Guard funding and proposed a long-term funding option.
The Honor Guard program was established to reimburse veterans organizations throughout the state to assist in payment for military funeral honors, and every veteran has a congressionally-authorized benefit to have an Honor Guard at their funeral if the family requests it. According to Minnesota Statute, the commissioner of veterans affairs “shall pay, within available funds” up to $50 to a requesting local veterans unit for each time that local unit provides an Honor Guard detail at the funeral of a deceased veteran.
Recent reports have suggested that this program, in the absence of a specific appropriation, was to be discontinued.
“It was alarming to learn of initial reports that, despite increased funding to Veterans Affairs and Military Affairs, the Honor Guard program would be discontinued. Since those initial reports, I have been working to resolve this issue and ensure the program continues uninterrupted,” commented Sen. Parry. “In putting together our final budget, our committee heard testimony from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Honor Guard program was listed in the programs and services of the Governor’s budget. This session an earmark was not specifically requested, and although we appropriated the full amount of the governor’s request, I was shocked to learn of reports that this program would not continue. Fortunately, as stated on August 31, Commissioner Shellito and the Deparment of Veterans Affairs will continue to reimburse local military organizations as allowed by law.”
Some of the expenses will continue to be covered by receipts from charitable gambling operated by military organizations throughout the state.
“To provide an additional funding tool for the Commissioner to use in reimbursing for Honor Guard services, I am prepared to offer legislation to clarify the use of the Support Our Troops account for this purpose. I believe the Commissioner currently has the ability to use the Support our Troops fund, and this legislation will remove any question of his authority to do so. As Committee Chair, I look forward to working with Gov. Dayton, Commissioner Shellito and veterans service organizations to ensure consistent and reliable funding for this important service.”
A copy of the proposed legislation is available upon request.
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