MN Senate and House Omnibus Budget Bills Threaten Significant Reductions in MNNG Education and Enlistment Incentives
ISSUE: Proposed cuts to the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) budget will adversely impact Minnesota National Guard enlistment incentives and state tuition reimbursement (STR) benefits.
SF605 (Senate version) is proposed at $11.714M less than the Governor’s recommendation, returning the DMA budget to its 2014-2015 levels, and balances agency forecasted increases in enlistment incentives by reducing the funds available for maintenance and sustainment of MNNG facilities despite a documented $140M maintenance backlog.
The House version of the omnibus bill maintains DMA funding at its current level, however, does not address the forecasted shortfall in the Enlistment Incentives Appropriation which will result in elimination of MNNG enlistment and re-enlistment bonuses and a reduction in state tuition reimbursement levels for members of the MNNG.
IMPACT:
Reduces STR funding for 848 newly enlisted members over last 2 years
Significant reduction in MNNG incentive programs affecting:
o Approx. 1900 MNNG members currently utilizing STR
o Over 1,500 MNNG members’ enlistment/reenlistment bonuses
Increase in MNNG facilities with a “Poor” rating due to decreased maintenance appropriation
Adverse soldier and airman morale and declines in unit readiness
ACTION: Contact your state Senators and Representatives via email, phone, or letter and ask them not to support SF605 and the current house version of omnibus budget bill, find their contact info here: Minnesota State Legislature.