NEW ULM, MN – Today, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) announced his reintroduction of legislation that would authorize funding through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a Vet Center in Mankato, Minnesota. Vet Centers provide free, community-based counseling services to eligible veterans, servicemembers, and their families. Congressman Finstad previously introduced the legislation in the 118^th Congress.

“Vet Centers are where veterans and their families can go to find care, counseling, camaraderie, and most importantly, someone who understands. Unfortunately, many veterans in southern Minnesota have difficulty accessing the care they need because local VA resources are far from where they live,” said Rep. Finstad. “During my time in Congress, I’ve talked with veterans across all twenty-one counties of the First District, and the resounding message I hear is a need for better, more direct access to VA care in southern Minnesota, which is why I’m proud to be leading the effort to bring a Vet Center to Mankato – increasing access to the critical services our veterans have earned and deserve.”

The legislation is endorsed by the Blue Earth County Veteran Service Office and the Disabled American Veterans Department of Minnesota (DAV MN).

“Blue Earth County Veterans Services strongly supports Representative Finstad’s legislation that would provide the funding needed to establish a full-time, permanent Vet Center in Mankato. Blue Earth County Veterans Services has long seen the need for more mental health services for veterans in Mankato and the surrounding communities,” said Michael McLaughlin, Blue Earth County Veteran Service Officer. “More than two years ago, Blue Earth County partnered with the St. Paul Vet Center to provide mental health services on weekly basis in the Blue Earth County Government Center. Since this partnership began, therapeutic sessions have been completely booked for everyday that services are available. The demand for Vet Center services has been demonstrated by this partnership between county and our federal partners. The demand for these lifesaving services has proven that area veterans need a greater frequency of care than one day a week, or one day a month. Representative Finstad’s bill would provide a full time Vet Center counselor and office in Mankato that could provide individual or group therapy that changes veteran’s lives and can help to curb veteran suicide.”

“The Disabled American Veterans, Department of Minnesota has strongly supported the expansion of Vet Centers in Minnesota for years. When you look at the resources available in other states surrounding Minnesota, you can see our Veterans do not have access to the important care offered at Veterans Centers that is available elsewhere,” said Trent C. Dilks, Legislative Director, DAV MN. “We have worked with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, other stakeholders, the VA leadership locally and nationally, in pursuit of increasing access. We thank Rep. Brad Finstad for his leadership in introducing legislation to make increased access to care available for Veterans in the Mankato area. We will continue to seek every avenue available to us, to ensure Veterans can get the care they need, where they need it.”

Full text of the legislation can be found here.

This week, Congressman Finstad hosted leaders in southern Minnesota’s veteran community to hear directly from former service members about how Congress can help address the challenges they face. Their discussion included helping veterans better navigate the transition between active duty service and civilian life, increasing education efforts for VA mental health services, and eliminating barriers to access VA healthcare for all veterans regardless of income levels.  

During the roundtable, the Congressman also reaffirmed his support for critical veterans legislation making its way through Congress, such as:

• The Veteran Suicide Prevention Act 2.0, legislation which would enhance access to mental health resources, especially in rural areas where care is often hardest to reach.
• The Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act, legislation which recognizes the critical role of caregivers by expanding support for those caring for aging or disabled veterans.
• The GUARD VA Benefits Act, legislation which would put an end to predatory “claim sharks” who charge excessive fees to help veterans file for benefits.

Additionally, Congressman Finstad has cosponsored the Improving Veterans Access to Congressional Services Act, the PARA–EMT Act, the Major Richard Star Act, the Veterans First Act, the Veterans Readiness and Employment Transparency Act, and the Veterans 2^nd Amendment Protection Act.