MN HF2909

Expands the Minnesota GI Bill program to include apprenticeship and on-the-job training opportunities, administered in consultation with the commissioners of employment and economic development and labor and industry.

Provides up to $2,000 per fiscal year for apprenticeship expenses and $2,000 per fiscal year for on-the-job training, with a maximum of $3,000 in aggregate benefits per fiscal year and $9,000 lifetime per individual.

Offers job placement credits of $1,000 to eligible employers upon hiring a veteran receiving assistance and an additional $1,000 after 12 consecutive months of full-time employment.

Appropriates $100,000 from the general fund for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2013, to compensate honor guards at veteran funerals under Minnesota Statutes, section 197.231.

Increases the annual appropriation cap for Minnesota GI Bill benefits from $6,000,000, effective July 1, 2012, to cover both the original program and new apprenticeship and on-the-job training components.