-- December 19, 2005 --
Governor Tim Pawlenty today unveiled the new Support Our Troops license plates and announced they are ready for purchase at all deputy registrar locations throughout Minnesota. He also announced a series of new initiatives for members of the military and veterans including a state tax exemption for military retirement pay, increased funding for the State Soldiers Assistance Program, more support and coordination with county veterans service officers, a new Military and Veterans Support Cabinet, and help for veterans as they pursue a college education.
"We should all be deeply grateful for the commitment and sacrifice Minnesotans have made to serve in the military during this historic time and in the past," Governor Pawlenty said. "Today I'm announcing a number of initiatives to strengthen and update the support system for our military, veterans and their families."
The plates feature a bald eagle in the foreground against an American flag backdrop. They may be displayed on passenger vehicles, one-ton pickup trucks and recreational vehicles. Plates with a disability insignia may be ordered for passenger vehicles. Motorcycle plates will be available in the spring of 2006.
"Minnesotans now have the opportunity to show their support of our state's military members and veterans by purchasing and displaying these license plates." Governor Pawlenty said.
Anyone is eligible to purchase the Support Our Troops plates. The cost for the new plates is $18.50 ($10 license plate fee and $8.50 filing fee), along with a minimum annual contribution of $30 which is tax deductible for people who itemize on Schedule A of their federal tax forms. The proceeds from plate sales will be split between the Department of Military Affairs for financial support of military families and the Department of Veteran Affairs for veterans outreach programs, grants to veterans service organizations and rehabilitation programs.
The Department of Vehicle Services estimates the new plates will bring in $675,000 in FY 2006 and $1.7 million in FY 2007.
In addition to the new license plates, Governor Pawlenty also outlined a comprehensive package of military and veteran initiatives.
"We want veterans and their families to retire in Minnesota and enjoy the value of their military pension. This proposal will accomplish that goal." Governor Pawlenty said.
"At a time when we have more Minnesota veterans in need of help, increasing the SSAP fund will make a positive difference for them and their families," Governor Pawlenty said.
This new tool will pull together information from all the sources that provide goods or services to veterans or their families. A Veterans Service Coordinator and a Veterans Assistance Web Manager would be added to the staff of the Department of Veterans Affairs to make this information readily available to veterans and their families. The cost of this proposal would be $200,000 per year.
Financial grants will be available to counties that meet certain benchmarks regarding specific services to veterans. Benchmarks will include how often counties update and modernize their training as well as the overall number and percentage of eligible veterans receiving both federal and state benefits such as housing assistance, medical care or help with higher education. Governor Pawlenty recommends making $3 million available annually for this grant program.
The Governor is also issuing an executive order to have all state agencies and educational institutions review their resources, policies, and procedures to make sure their services are effective and accessible for members of the military and veterans. It will also require reporting on any barriers in current laws or policies that make Minnesota less friendly for veterans and members of the military than other states.
"Military operations conducted since September 11, 2001, have produced thousands of young Minnesotans who are combat veterans," Governor Pawlenty said. "We know they face many challenges in a wide variety of areas. This new cabinet will take a holistic and coordinated approach to helping veterans."
"Part of the re-integration of veterans back home is to make sure they are aware of all the educational and training opportunities available to them," Governor Pawlenty said. "The new veterans assistance officers will lead our efforts to make sure that happens."
"Allowing more credits to transfer will acknowledge the leadership and management skills of our veterans and encourage more veterans to return to Minnesota for their college degrees," Governor Pawlenty said.
Delayed tuition payments for veterans in college who are awaiting federal GI benefitsMany veterans returning to college on the GI Bill have to pay full tuition up front and then wait to be reimbursed by the federal government through the GI Bill. This proposal will delay the due date of tuition payments for veterans until their federal GI Bill funding is received, helping many cash-strapped veterans to stay in school.
"These higher education proposals will help veterans achieve the education and training they need to transition to a career after military service," Governor Pawlenty added.
Governor Pawlenty also proposed adding a veterans preference for subsidized childcare as long as they meet the other requirements for the programs, in order to move veterans and their families higher on the waiting lists wherever possible. The Governor also directed the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency to enhance housing opportunities for veterans.
"The greatest honor I've had as Governor is meeting and working with Minnesota's soldiers and their families," Governor Pawlenty added. "These initiatives represent some additional ways of showing them the thanks and respect they deserve for their commitment and sacrifice."
