HF 1511

as introduced - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026) Posted on 02/26/2025 02:52pm

A bill for an act
relating to veterans; appropriating money to the commissioner of veterans affairs
for a veteran mentorship program for Black youth.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. new text begin VETERAN MENTORSHIP PROGRAM FOR BLACK YOUTH.
new text end

new text begin The commissioner of veterans affairs must award a grant to an organization to develop,
operate, and administer a veteran mentorship program to prevent youth violence through
employing veterans who will mentor Black youth and assisting Black youth in exploring
career opportunities in the armed forces.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin APPROPRIATION.
new text end

new text begin $5,000,000 in fiscal year 2026 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner
of veterans affairs for grants to an organization that will develop, operate, and administer
a veteran mentorship program for Black youth. Of the amount appropriated, $1,000,000 is
for expenses for youth engagement activities, $1,500,000 is for salaries for employing
veterans to mentor youth through the program, $2,000,000 is for community outreach and
education for Black youth, and $500,000 is to administer and operate the program. This is
a onetime appropriation.
new text end