Purpose

• Establish a grant program funded from Minnesota’s General Fund to support veteran retreats at Camp Bliss in Walker. The commissioner of veterans affairs would provide a grant to Independent Lifestyles Inc. to cover costs for retreats for eligible veterans and their family members.

Main Provisions

• Use of funds: Grant money may be used for therapy, transportation, and activities customized for eligible veterans and their family members, plus general maintenance of Camp Bliss.
• Reimbursement: The commissioner must reimburse the grant recipient at least $850 for each eligible veteran or family member who attends the retreat and receives services.
• Visit limits: Money can be disbursed for up to two visits per year for each eligible veteran or family member.
• Eligible participants:
  • Eligible veteran = a former armed forces service member with a DD214 or other official document describing honorable service, or a current armed forces member (active or reserve).
  • Family member = spouse, domestic partner, or child of an eligible veteran.
• Location: Camp Bliss is located in Walker, Minnesota.
• Administration: The commissioner of veterans affairs administers the grant to Independent Lifestyles Inc. and verifies attendance and services received to determine reimbursement.

Funding and Fiscal Details

• Appropriation: $150,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $150,000 in fiscal year 2027 from the General Fund, added to the agency’s base budget.
• Purpose of funds: To support the program described above and ensure ongoing funding for the camp retreats.

Significance and Scope

• Creates a targeted funding program to provide retreats and related services to veterans and their families, along with ongoing camp maintenance. Establishes explicit per-person reimbursements and a limit on visits to help manage costs and resource use.

What changes from current law

• Introduces a new grant program administered by the commissioner of veterans affairs.
• Establishes a new funding stream and specific annual appropriation for FY2026 and FY2027.
• Sets a defined per-person reimbursement amount and a cap on visits per year for eligible participants.

Relevant Terms - Camp Bliss - Walker - Independent Lifestyles Inc. - commissioner of veterans affairs - grant - grant recipient - eligible veteran - family member - DD214 - active duty - reserve - therapy - transportation - activities - general maintenance - reimbursement - $850 - two visits per year - General Fund - fiscal year 2026 - fiscal year 2027