Veterans programming funding provided, and money appropriated.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bidal Duran and 1 co-sponsor

Provides $200,000 over two years to YMCA of the North to support veterans and military families through retreats, military youth programs, and discounted services.

Author added Schwartz

#veteransandveteransaffairsdepartment

Purpose

HF 2820 authorizes appropriations for veterans programming in Minnesota. The bill provides targeted funding from the general fund to support grants that enhance veterans and military family programs through the YMCA of the North. The overarching intent is to reinforce and expand access to structured programs for veterans, military families, and military-connected youth.

Key Provisions

Funding Source and Amounts

Appropriates a total of $200,000 from the general fund over two fiscal years:
$100,000 in Fiscal Year 2026
$100,000 in Fiscal Year 2027

Grant Recipient

The appropriation is designated for a grant to the YMCA of the North.

Program Areas Supported
The funds are to support and reinforce work in three specific service areas:

Military and Veteran Family Retreats – Programs designed to provide retreat experiences for veterans and their families.
Military Child BOLD and GOLD Outdoor Leadership Program – Initiatives for military-connected children focusing on outdoor leadership, resilience, and personal development (BOLD and GOLD are established YMCA youth leadership programs tailored for military youth).
Military and Veteran Service Program Discounts – Discounts or supportive services under YMCA programs aimed at veterans and military families to improve access and participation.

Who Is Affected

Primary Beneficiary: YMCA of the North, which would administer and implement the three listed program areas under the grant.

Beneficiaries/Target Population: Minnesota veterans, active-duty military and their families, and military-connected youth who participate in YMCA programs and services.

State Entities Involved: Minnesota Department or Office of the Commissioner of Veterans Affairs (as the grant administrator/recipient of appropriations via the general fund).

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduction and Status: HF 2820 was introduced in the 94th Legislature (2025-2026) and posted March 27, 2025.

Initial Action: Referred to the Veterans and Military Affairs Division for consideration.

Sponsor Information: Primary sponsor not listed here, but co-sponsors include Erica Schwartz and Bidal Duran, with additional sponsor noted as Schwartz in the action history.

Additional Observations

The bill provides a targeted, time-limited funding authorization rather than a broad, ongoing program appropriation.

The grant amount aligns with a modest, program-level investment intended to augment existing YMCA veteran-focused services rather than create new statewide infrastructure.

No matching funds requirement or reporting provisions are specified in the text provided; further bill text or committee amendments could reveal such details.

If you’d like, I can add a brief comparison to similar veteran programming funding or extract related fiscal notes and potential fiscal impact estimates from amended versions.

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