Tonight at 7 pm the MN House Committee on Ways and Means will meet to set budget priorities for Minnesota’s FY 2016-2017 budget. With the improving economic climate in Minnesota, as well as the Governor’s commitment to providing more funding for child protection, we may be able to expect funding to support our state’s most vulnerable populations. Last week the committee heard testimony on the house budget resolution. Testimonials urged for investment in services for adults with disabilities, education, and improvement of the state’s infrastructure.
Bills that we’re keeping our eye on include SF 825 and SF 1356. SF 825 covers reimbursement of child welfare agency costs and tribal customary adoptions, administration of court review of placements, relative search, and mental health treatment. SF 1356 details policies around placement of American Indian children, duty to prevent out of home placement and family reunification, and child fatality.
Keep checking back for updates on tonight’s committee meeting.