Sen. Parry to correct funding error on veteran funerals

The chairman of the state legislative commission that oversees veterans affairs says he's going to correct an oversight from the last session to make sure that funding for veteran funerals won't be interrupted by the state's budget crisis.

Republican Sen. Mike Parry, of Waseca, said he thought the funding was included in the veterans' affairs department's budget, but it wasn't. He's going to offer legislation next year to dedicate funding for the honors.

"This is a federal law and it will be followed in Minnesota without interruption and to the best of our ability," Parry said.

He said veterans affairs commissioner Larry Shellito and Minnesota National Guard General Richard Nash have assured him that funeral honors will go on in the meantime.

"On this, I can tell you that commissioner Shellito, General Nash and myself are in complete agreement."

Gov. Mark Dayton also said Sunday that he wants the Legislature to pass dedicated funding for the funerals next session.

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