Legislative update

Dear Neighbor,

Veterans Day is this Saturday, a time when Americans across the country will pause to honor those who have sacrificed on our behalf to protect our beautiful nation. Here is a sincere thank-you to our veterans who have put their nation first and selflessly defended our freedom.

There is much that we can do to show our appreciation to those men and women who put on the uniform for our country. This year, I was proud to champion a veterans funding bill that provided our heroes with the resources they need and deserve:

Additional funding in bonus payments to post 9/11 veterans and expanded eligibility so that more veterans could receive this financial support;
Funding for new Veterans homes in Bemidji, Montevideo, and Preston; and
Increased veterans GI tuition and apprenticeship benefits so that veterans have access to more opportunities to further their careers,

If you would like additional information on any of the above items, please visit the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs website.

I was proud to support this bipartisan legislation, and I am even more proud to be able to call my brother, Jerry, who served in Korea, a real-life hero. His service and legacy, along with that of thousands of other heroes that live among us or are remembered this Saturday, have blessed us with a level of prosperity and liberty that millions of people throughout history never had the opportunity to experience. (Jerry is pictured to the right, with his wife, Betty, when he was selected to participate in the Armed Forces Flag Raising Program at a Twins game at Target Field a few years ago.)

I hope this Veterans Day you will pause, say a prayer, and take time to express your gratitude for the brave men and women who have served to protect the wonderful and unique country we are blessed to call home.

God bless our veterans,

Dean