In this year-end legislative wrap-up, host Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Doug Wortham sits down with key leaders to reflect on major accomplishments for Minnesota veterans in 2025 and priorities moving into 2026.
The episode features insightful conversations with:
- Senator Aric Putnam (DFL-St. Cloud, Chair of the Veterans Subcommittee) – Discussing funding boosts for veterans homes, expanding Meals on Wheels for Greater Minnesota, addressing food insecurity, protecting veterans from predatory “claims sharks,” and future ideas like farm-to-veterans programs to support aging vets and local farmers.
- Representative Matt Bliss (R-Pennington, Veterans Committee member) – Highlighting the creation of a dedicated veterans omnibus bill process, increased focus on homelessness and suicide prevention (a top priority amid rising rates), family involvement in mental health support, and bipartisan collaboration to keep politics out of veterans’ issues.
- Governor Tim Walz – Praising the unanimous passage of veterans funding (including new homes, cemeteries, National Guard bonuses, and hunting/fishing license benefits), progress toward ending veteran homelessness, executive actions on food insecurity, and the importance of separating veterans issues from broader partisan debates.
Key 2025 Highlights Discussed:
- Historic funding for veterans homes to staff new facilities and reduce waitlists.
- Expanded efforts on food insecurity and home-delivered meals.
- Strong progress on veteran homelessness (nearing functional zero in most counties).
- Emphasis on suicide prevention, family support, and eliminating stigma around seeking help.
- Bipartisan approach: Veterans issues handled first, with no partisan bickering—resulting in real wins like retention bonuses keeping Minnesota competitive nationally.
Looking to 2026:
- Continued focus on suicide prevention, food programs, and claims protection.
- Potential supplemental funding to offset federal cuts (e.g., domiciliary care).
- Codifying successful initiatives into law for long-term stability.
- Gratitude to veterans, families, and caregivers—no one serves alone.
This episode showcases how Minnesota continues to lead in supporting those who served—through collaboration, empathy, and putting veterans first.
