House of Representatives Update: On April 12 the House Health and Human passed an amendment that would provide a grant increase for people who have high housing costs! Thanks to everyone who called and emailed Rep. Huntley and your own legislators!

Senate Update: On Monday, April 8, the Senate Health and Human Services Finance Division voted to consider SF165, the bill to increase the MFIP grants, for possible inclusion into the omnibus bill. Senator Lourey will present his final proposal on Monday, April 15.

Contact Senator Tony Lourey. Urge him to include a substantial MFIP grant increase in the Senate HHS final budget bill.
651-296-0293, sen.tony.lourey@senate.mn

Please remind him that the money is there, in the TANF fund, if only it was used for the right thing. Click here for info on where the TANF money going.

Background:
–Thousands of children in Minnesota are living in extreme poverty. One bill could change all that.
–The cash grants for children and their caregivers in Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) have not been increased since 1986 – 27 years ago.
–Meanwhile the cost of living has more than DOUBLED since 1986.
–The federal money that is supposed to go to poor families (the TANF money) has been raided year after year for other things – TANF $ should go to TANF families!