Starting July 1, 2025, Minnesota will implement a new law that increases veterans and military affairs funding by $50.5 million over previous levels, bringing total spending to $365.23 million for the 2026–27 biennium. The Department of Veterans Affairs will receive the majority of this increase—$40.9 million—largely to support staffing at the state’s eight veterans’ homes, especially in Bemidji, Montevideo, and Preston, which opened in early 2024. The goal is to reduce waitlists and expand access to care for veterans needing housing and support.

The law also boosts funding for suicide prevention efforts, home-delivered meals for veterans in Greater Minnesota, and technical support for county service officers working with women veterans, those facing mental health challenges, and veterans involved in the justice system. A portion of funding will support Hometown Hero Outdoors, an organization that connects military personnel and veterans with outdoor recreational opportunities and mental health services.

A new task force will receive funding to define eligibility for the new “Veteran of the Secret War in Laos” designation. This status will apply to individuals, including many Hmong veterans, who served honorably with U.S.-backed guerilla units during the Vietnam War era. Eligible individuals will receive an official certificate recognizing their service and granting them access to benefits.

The Department of Military Affairs will also receive increased funding to maintain enlistment and retention bonuses, support cybersecurity readiness within the Minnesota National Guard, expand a holistic fitness program, and ensure a pension offset for service members called to state active duty.

Lastly, the law includes the creation of a memorial plaque on the State Capitol grounds to honor the service and sacrifice of Minnesota’s Gold Star and Blue Star families. This comprehensive law reflects Minnesota’s continued investment in the well-being and recognition of its veterans and military communities.

Minnesota’s Department of Human Services announced July 1, 2025 that it is investing $15 million in new state grants to expand services for people affected by opioid use disorder. The funding, awarded to 23 organizations by the MN DHS, was recommended by the Opioid Epidemic Response Advisory Council.

These grants come amid promising signs of progress: in 2023, opioid-related treatment admissions increased for the third straight year, and fatal overdoses dropped for the first time in five years—especially in rural areas. Still, officials emphasize the crisis continues statewide.

This new round of grants target key areas:

• $4.5 million for expanding the continuum of care
  
• $3+ million for harm reduction and workforce development/training
  
• Additional funds for prevention, education, chronic pain care, and alternative treatments
  

A major goal is to improve culturally relevant care, particularly for Native communities and people of color.

The state also updated its Opioid Epidemic Response Spending Dashboard with 2024 data, promoting transparency and helping identify community needs.

Grantees span the Twin Cities, greater Minnesota, and Tribal Nations, with some offering statewide services. This is the fourth round of grants, with more funding opportunities coming soon.

For more information, visit the Opioid Epidemic Response Advisory Council’s website.

This Fourth of July weekend, Minnesota’s lakes and rivers will be busy—and so will conservation officers and public safety teams. From July 4–7, Minnesota DNR will take part in Operation Dry Water, a national effort to crack down on boating under the influence. The campaign raises awareness about the dangers and serious penalties of operating a boat while impaired, which remains the leading cause of boating accidents and deaths in Minnesota and across the country.

While most boaters follow the rules, dozens are arrested for boating while intoxicated during the holiday period. Minnesota has some of the strictest laws in the country: if you’re caught operating a boat, vehicle, or recreational machine under the influence, you lose the right to drive all of them. Officials are reminding the public: there is zero tolerance for boating under the influence.

The DNR also urges all boaters to wear life jackets. Many fatalities could be prevented simply by wearing one. Stay safe, stay sober, and enjoy Minnesota’s waters responsibly.