Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Capitol View®
Brian Bakst

Walz wants greater focus on vets issues

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

DFL candidate for governor Tim Walz outlined a roster of proposals Thursday that he said would improve care for military veterans and  honor their service, voicing concern that veterans' issues are getting overlooked in the campaign.

Walz, a congressman from southern Minnesota, is one of three candidates seeking his party's nomination in the Aug. 14 primary.

In laying out his latest plan, Walz said he would:

  • Prioritize state funding for veterans homes, including money to operate three new facilities that depend on federal assistance to get built.

  • Expand expand special courts that deal with criminal cases involving some veterans.

  • Increase funding to county veterans service officers who work with veterans to apply for benefit and connect them with programs when they're in crisis.

  • Reduce some state fees for disabled veterans beyond the free hunting and fishing licenses issued now to those with a full service-connected disability.

"We're going to make sure that our veterans see that this state honors them by increasing access to outdoors activities for disabled American veterans," Walz said on a conference call with reporters. "That's reducing hunting and fishing licenses for folks to get out there."

Walz was a high-ranking Army National Guard member prior to becoming a congressman. He has about four months left in his final term in Washington, where he serves as the top Democrat on the House Veterans Affairs Committee. He said would keep pressing for the federal dollars required to build the veterans homes in Bemidji, Montevideo and Preston.

If they get built, Walz said the next governor will have to make sure there is state money to run them.

"People seem to think that things come for nothing," Walz said. "There's not going to be a question. We are going to fund these."