Over the past two years, the National Guard has been activated, more than any other time in the state's history. For that reason, service members and their families can apply for bonus checks. In a ceremonial bill signing, Governor Walz, praised military members.
"They served during flooding. They served during civil unrest, and something I don't imagine a single warrior thought they would end up doing," he said. "They cared for our parents and those that needed us most in long term care facilities."
Of the veterans omnibus bills the governor signed, nearly $25 million dollars will be awarded to post-9/11 era veterans and Gold Star Families. That portion specifically is for soldiers who served in active duty, from September 11, 2001 to August 30, 2021, during the war on terror.
"It's just a token to say thank you. This is something the state of Minnesota has done for every conflict since World War One," said Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner, Larry Herke.
The payments will range from $600 dollars and could be as high as $2000 dollars. Applications open in July.