DNR to host employment seminar for military veterans

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is hosting a veteran employment seminar Jan. 3 in St. Paul. Many veterans want to work in a natural resources environment, and many military skills translate into DNR positions.

“If you’ve served in the military, you probably have a lot of experience in many of our professional areas,” said Don Matthys, DNR management resources regional supervisor and U.S. Army retired.

At the seminar veterans will have the opportunity to talk to DNR staff who work in the areas of logistics, fisheries and wildlife, informational technology, GIS and mapping, forestry, operations, communications, safety, real estate forestry, enforcement, human resources, engineering and landscape architecture and more. It’s a chance to find out from those who work it every day what the different job responsibilities include, education requirements, and how military work experience translates.

Human resources staff will provide information on how to apply for DNR jobs, set up job searches, and receive job posting notifications.

Veterans will also be on hand to answer questions about how to successfully juggle military – civilian commitments. Information on DNR veteran support resources will also be available.

“I can’t imagine a more military friendly employer,” said John Peterson, DNR emergency planner and currently serving with the 2-135th Infantry MN National Guard. “The DNR has always been incredibly supportive of my service in the National Guard.”

This event is free and will be at the DNR Headquarters, 500 Lafayette Road N., St. Paul, MN 55101. Space is limited so, registration is required. Register for a time slot between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Go to: http://tinyurl.com/dnrvets2018

Veterans will receive a welcome packet with additional information when registration is confirmed.

The DNR is Yellow Ribbon Company – a veteran friendly employer.

Depr of Revenue highlights tax benefits available to military members

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- May is National Military Appreciation Month and the Minnesota Department of Revenue reminds members of the military and their families about the many valuable state tax benefits available to them.

“Minnesota offers military service members – past and present – tax benefits as a way to show appreciation for the sacrifices they have made. We want to make sure military members and veterans have all the information they need to claim the credits that are available to them and their families,” said Revenue Commissioner Cynthia Bauerly.

The department has a dedicated webpage for members of the military. This is a centralized spot for members of the military to learn about military tax benefits and find information on claiming the credits they are entitled to:

• New in 2016 - Military Pension Subtraction. Certain military retirement pay (including pensions) can be subtracted from your Minnesota taxable income.
  
• Credit for Military Service in a Combat Zone. You may qualify for this credit if you served in a combat zone or qualified hazardous duty area on or after January 1, 2013.
  
• Credit for Past Military Service. If you are a veteran of the U.S. military, including the National Guard and Reserves, you may qualify for a tax credit of up to $750 for your past service.
  
• Active-Duty Military Pay Subtraction. Members of the military who are Minnesota residents may subtract federally taxable active-duty military pay when determining their Minnesota tax.
  
• Filing Extensions. If you are serving in the U.S. military and cannot file or pay your Minnesota income tax by the due date, you may be eligible for an extension.
  
• Market Value Exclusion on Homesteads of Disabled Veterans. If you are an honorably discharged veteran who has a service-connected disability rating of 70 percent or higher, you may qualify for a property tax exclusion on your homestead.

You can check out our military tax tips video and sign up for our email subscription service to receive up-to-date military information.

If you have questions, contact us by email at individual.incometax@state.mn.us or phone at 651-296-3781 or 1-800-652-9094 (toll-free).   

Klobuchar Now Accepting Applications for Military Service Academies

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar has announced that she is now accepting applications for young Minnesotans interested in attending the nation’s military service academies. Each year, Klobuchar has the honor of nominating candidates to enroll at the United States Air Force Academy, Merchant Marine Academy, West Point, and the Naval Academy. The application deadline for the academy classes graduating in 2021 is 5 p.m. on Friday, October 28, 2016.

"Each year it is my honor to nominate some of Minnesota’s most talented and skilled young people for selection to attend our four service academies,” Klobuchar said. “I look forward to helping this year’s applicants as they pursue entry into these distinguished institutions and begin their careers of service to this country.”
To be considered for a nomination, candidates should have a strong academic background, participation in school and community activities (particularly leadership positions), a high standard of physical fitness, and a desire to be challenged to the fullest. You can review specific requirements and download an application at http://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/military-academy-nominations.

To apply for a nomination from Senator Klobuchar send a completed application to Senator Amy Klobuchar, Attn. Nominations Coordinator, 1200 Washington Avenue South, Suite 250, Minneapolis, MN 55415.

U.S. Capitol Christmas tree to visit Northern Star Base Camp

The 2014 U.S. Capitol Christmas tree, cut from the Chippewa National Forest last week, will make a stop at the Northern Star Council’s Boy Scout Base Camp at Fort Snelling on Saturday, Nov. 8, on its way to Washington, D.C.

The U.S. Forest Service, in partnership with Choose Outdoors and the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, is bringing the tree from north-central Minnesota to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol for the holiday season.

The tree will be at the Boy Scout Base Camp at 201 Bloomington Road, Fort Snelling, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Joining the U.S. Forest Service are DNR Assistant Commissioner Barb Naramore, Minnesota Christmas Tree Growers Association, Boy and Girl Scouts of America, City of Lakes Rotary Club, Salvation Army and special appearances by Smokey Bear and Santa Claus.

The tree will be on display outdoors, while indoor festivities will include ornament decorating, wreath-making demonstrations, cookie decorating, archery and rock climbing (for a small fee), tree cutting permits, balsam bough harvesting information and more. Food donations will be collected to benefit the Neighborhood Food Shelf. A short program will take place at 4:30 p.m. The event is free to attend, with a small charge only for adventure activities hosted by the Northern Star Council.

The tree was cut during a public ceremony Oct. 29, sent to Bemidji State University, where it was prepared for the nearly 2,000-mile cross-country expedition. The tree – an 88-foot white spruce – left the Chippewa National Forest followed by a caravan of caretakers for the journey to the U.S. Capitol, where the official tree lighting will take place in early December. The tree will make more than 30 stops on its way across the country.

For news, updates, tour information and to track the tree cross-country, visit www.capitolchristmastree.com.

MN service members are to claim 2010 military credit by Oct. 15

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Revenue is helping Minnesota service members take advantage of a refundable tax credit that is about to expire. The Credit for Military Service in a Combat Zone will expire on Oct. 15, 2014, for service time in 2010.

The department recently sent letters to 2,600 qualifying service members to ensure they are aware of the credit and to explain how they can claim it. More than $2.4 million in refunds have already been claimed by service members for the 2010 credit. The average refund is $650.

“We are so grateful for our dedicated service members because they give so much to our country and this military credit is one small way we can thank them for their hard work and sacrifice,” said Revenue Commissioner Myron Frans.

To date, the department has received more than 35,000 claims for the military credit, totaling more than $18 million in refunds.

This credit is for service members who served in a combat zone or qualified hazardous duty area in 2010. The 2010 credit is $120 per month, or partial month served.

To receive the credit, service members must file Form M99, Credit for Military Service in a Combat Zone, and attach corresponding Form DD-214. If still on active duty, service members may attach Leave and Earnings statements for each month of qualifying service. They must have been a Minnesota resident during the time of service to qualify. For more information on the military tax credit and to fill out the form, visit our website at www.revenue.state.mn.us. Applications must be postmarked by Oct. 15, 2014.  

Tax credits for service in a combat zone are also available for 2011, 2012 and 2013. For more information, visit the Members of the Military page on our website and sign up for email updates on military credits, application deadlines and tax law changes.

For information on locations that qualify for the tax credit, visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov.

Follow the latest news and updates from the Minnesota Department of Revenue on Twitter, Facebook and sign-up for our email subscription list.

Memorial Day Programs Sponsored by MDVA

Across the state, Minnesotans are preparing to celebrate Memorial Day. Unlike Veterans Day, which honors all U.S. Military Veterans, Memorial Day is set aside to specifically honor those who have died in service to the nation. In remembrance and celebration of these individuals, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is sponsoring events throughout the state at the State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls and at the five Minnesota Veterans Homes.

State Veterans Cemetery, Sunday, May 26

LITTLE FALLS, MN - The State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls is hosting its annual Memorial Service the day before Memorial Day. The event is open to the public and will begin at 1:30 p.m. with instrumental music provided by the Richfield Symphonic Band, the traditional Parade of Flags and a placing of the wreaths and the first public showing of the US Navy painting commissioned for the Veterans Educational Historic Project. The keynote speaker will be Lt Col Mark M. Weber, who recently released a book titled “Tell My Sons.” Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, 15550 Hwy 115, Little Falls, MN 56345

Minnesota Veterans Homes, Monday, May 27 (Memorial Day)

FERGUS FALLS, MN – The Memorial Day program starts at 2 p.m. The guest speaker will be Ron Verhaagen, Wilkin County Veterans Service Officer. The program will include music by “The Lee’s,” and Color guard services and the rifle volley will be provided by the Fergus Falls American Legion Post 30 & the Fergus Falls VFW Post 612. 1821 North Park Street, Fergus Falls, MN 56537

HASTINGS, MN – The Memorial Day Observance will start at 9 a.m. at the flag pole outside of the Hastings Veterans Home. There will be multiple stops through the town and honors will be performed by VFW Post 1210 and American Legion Post 47 of Hastings. There will also be special recognition of Gold Star Mothers and prayers. 1200 East 18th Street, Hastings, MN 55033

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - The Memorial Day program, sponsored by the 5th District American Legion, will begin at 2 p.m. outside of Building 15 Chapel. In case of inclement weather the program will be held in the auditorium. The guest speaker will be Rev. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr. with remarks by MDVA Commissioner Larry Shellito. Colors will be posted by the Memorial Rifle Squad, Fort Snelling National Cemetery with music provided by the Minnesota Police Pipe Band. 5101 Minnehaha Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55417

SILVER BAY, MN - The program will begin at 10:30 a.m. at the Silver Bay Veterans Home. The guest speaker will be Dave Mealey, Past Commander of the local VFW in Silver Bay. 45 Banks Boulevard Silver Bay, MN 55614

Minnesota Veterans Home, Thursday, May 30

LUVERNE, MN - The Memorial Day program will be held on Thursday, May 30 beginning at 2:30 p.m. in the dining room. The guest speaker will be American Legion Department Vice Commander for the 2 & 7 Districts, Jane Ellefson. The honor guard will consist of members from Luverne’s American Legion Post 123 and Luverne’s VFW Post 2757. Musical selections will be provided by Jay Tripp. 1300 North Kniss Avenue, Luverne, MN 56156