Dayton seeks to expand Minn. veteran job training

A proposal timed to Veterans Day would give more Minnesotans with a military past access to job training programs.

Gov. Mark Dayton on Thursday said he wants to extend a Minnesota GI law beyond its current limitations. The law makes available up to $10,000 for veterans to pursue job retraining programs over their lifetime.

But it is presently confined to veterans who served after the Sept. 11 attacks and the families of deceased or certain disabled veterans. The Democratic governor's plan would set broader criteria.

Dayton also said he would seek legislative approval for permanent funding for military honor guards at veteran funeral. Recent budget cuts raised concerns about the safety of honor guard grants, which are paid for with discretionary dollars now.

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