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| Date: | March 29, 2012 | | Contact Name: | Susan Closmore | | Contact Phone: | 651-296-5712 | | Contact Email: | susan.closmore@senate.mn | | For Immediate Release | |
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| SENATE UNANIMOUSLY PASSES SENATOR PARRY’S MEASURES TO ADDRESS HONOR GUARD FUNDING |
(ST. PAUL) – The Minnesota Senate passed two bills Thursday addressing the issue of Honor Guard funding. 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.
Last year, it was reported that this program, in the absence of a specific appropriation, was to be discontinued. Senator Mike Parry (R-Waseca), Chair of the State Government Innovation and Veterans Committee, authored two bills to address the Honor Guard funding issue. Senate File 1754 increases participating Honor Guard members’ stipend from $35 to $50 per day and clarifies the use of facilities financed with charitable gambling proceeds. House File 1903 gives the Commissioner of Veterans Affairs the flexibility in allocating funds to local units of a congressionally chartered veterans organization, like the Honor Guard. Both bills passed off the Senate floor unanimously.
“Since the initial reports last year, I have been working to resolve the issue and ensure the program continues. With the measures passed today in the Senate, we’ve found sustainable dollars to support our Honor Guard program,” said Senator Parry. “I am thankful for the support of my colleagues in the Senate today and I am optimistic that Governor Dayton will sign this bill, providing consistent, reliable funding for this important service.”
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