2026 MN Legislative Session Highlights for Veterans & Helmets to Hardhats
This week on Minnesota Military Radio, we break down the 2026 Minnesota Legislative session and what it means for Veterans and military families across the state. We discuss key outcomes including the successful passage of the Veterans Omnibus Bill with unanimous support, recognition for Southeast Asian Veterans of the Secret War in Laos, ongoing priorities such as the Homestead Market Value Exclusion for 100% disabled Veterans, and the strong bipartisan commitment to Veterans issues in Minnesota.
Featured Guests:
- Rep. Kari Rehrauer – Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives and Co-Vice Chair of the Veterans and Military Affairs Division
- Jon Kelly – Director of Government Affairs, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs
- Justin Rost – Director of Minnesota Helmets to Hardhats, Marine Corps Veteran
In the second half of the program, Justin Rost highlights how Veterans can leverage their skills, discipline, and drive into rewarding careers in the skilled trades through apprenticeships — offering competitive wages (often reaching six figures at journeyman level), excellent benefits, low-to-no cost training, and GI Bill housing allowances.
To find out more about the Helmets to Hardhats program – https://helmetstohardhats.org/
