SE Minnesota News

Congressman Brad Finstad has reintroduced legislation to secure funding for a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Vet Center in Mankato, Minnesota. The proposed center would provide free, community-based counseling services to eligible veterans, servicemembers, and their families. Finstad had previously introduced similar legislation during the 118th 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 Blue Earth County Veteran Service Office and the Disabled American Veterans Department of Minnesota (DAV MN) have endorsed the legislation.

“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.”

Finstad recently hosted leaders from southern Minnesota’s veteran community at a roundtable discussion focused on challenges facing former service members. Topics included improving support during transitions from active duty service to civilian life; expanding education about VA mental health resources; and removing barriers so all veterans can access VA healthcare regardless of income.

At this event, Finstad also reaffirmed his support for several bills under consideration by Congress:

- The Veteran Suicide Prevention Act 2.0 aims to improve mental health resource availability—especially in rural areas.

- The Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act seeks expanded support for caregivers assisting aging or disabled veterans.

- The GUARD VA Benefits Act targets predatory practices by individuals charging excessive fees for helping veterans file benefits claims.

Additionally, Congressman Finstad has cosponsored multiple pieces of related legislation: Improving Veterans Access to Congressional Services Act; PARA–EMT Act; Major Richard Star Act; Veterans First Act; Veterans Readiness and Employment Transparency Act; and Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act.

Brad Finstad represents Minnesota’s 1st district in Congress after replacing Jim Hagedorn in 2022 (https://finstad.house.gov/about). He previously served as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives from 2003 until 2009 (https://finstad.house.gov/about). Born in New Ulm in 1976 and currently residing there at age 46 (https://finstad.house.gov/about), he holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Minnesota.

The full text of Finstad's proposed legislation is available online.