Veteran’s corner

Tom Krabbenhoft

Greetings everyone looks like the cold snap has ended.
Minnesota has passed a new law for veterans worthy of sharing.
Effective January 1, 2024, veterans with a 100% total service-connected disability (includes TDIU) receive free motor vehicle registration, plate, and title services for up to two vehicles (auto, pickup, RV, motorcycle). Total fee exemption does not include a personalized plate fee or any required contributions for a specialty plate. Applicant eligibility for special plate emblem is expanded to include any member of Disabled American Veterans. Individuals eligible for Gold Star plates may request them as personalized and not be charged the otherwise associated $100 fee.
*Veteran designation on the Minnesota driver’s license expanded to include retired members of National Guard or Reserves. The required documentation to receive the Veteran designation has been expanded to include a military retiree ID card, Veteran ID card, or Veteran health ID card. Veterans with a 100% total and permanent service-connected disability rating receive a free driver’s license or state-issued ID card. Applicant must provide documentation attesting to the 100% total and permanent service-connected disability rating which includes TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability).
*Starting July 1, 2024, purchases of a motor vehicle by a Veteran having a 100% total service-connected disability (includes TDIU) are exempt from the Motor Vehicle Sales Tax. Automobile dealers should have a new drop-down selection in their processing system for 100% disabled Veterans that will exclude fees.
*Please visit your local Deputy Registrar office (DMV) to receive the benefit for a driver’s license, motor vehicle registration, plate, and/or title services.
This is fantastic news! However only 13% of Veterans are 100%. The benefit is for a small amount of Veterans.
I recall when I joined Minnesota had free hunting and fishing licenses for veterans. Additionally the first $3,000 in military pay was tax free. These were fantastic recruiting items for the Minnesota Guard.
Recruiting has been a difficult issue the past few years. Traditionally members that have served encourage their family to serve. Much less of this is taking place. Trust in the military has declined the last few years.
Some blame the military becoming “woke”. I’ve read of a more competitive job market, endless deployments and even people are less willing to serve. Revamping the military retirement program and watering down Tricare make retention even more difficult.
I recall many of those I served with did so to have college paid for. With talk about college debt forgiveness, free college in MN for illegals etc. I can see many young people in the weeds watching. Why join the military when one can do nothing and get equal or surpassed benefits?
Pay and benefits need to be increased greatly to attract new recruits. Serving is becoming less attractive.

Send your veteran-related items to me at 11btwk@gmail.com.