Purpose of the Bill

• The bill aims to provide financial support to Lutheran Social Services CORE program for delivering services to veterans in Minnesota, specifically excluding the areas of Hennepin and Ramsey Counties.

Main Provisions

• The bill proposes to appropriate $500,000 for fiscal year 2026 and another $500,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the state's general fund. These funds are earmarked for a grant to the Lutheran Social Services CORE program.
• The allocated funds are designated for two main purposes:
  • To provide home-delivered meals to veterans in areas of Minnesota excluding Hennepin and Ramsey Counties.
  • To assist with technical enrollment outreach and volunteer recruitment for member programs.

Significant Changes

• This is described as a one-time appropriation, but any remaining balance from the first year will not be canceled and can roll over for use in the second year.
• The Lutheran Social Services CORE program is required to submit an annual report detailing how the grant money was used and highlight the number of veterans and service members served by the program. This report should be submitted to both the commissioner of veterans affairs and legislative committee chairs overseeing veterans affairs policy and finance by September 1 each year.

Relevant Terms

Lutheran Social Services, CORE program, veterans affairs, home-delivered meals, general fund, grant, Hennepin County, Ramsey County, volunteer recruitment, technical enrollment, appropriation.