SAINT PAUL, MN – Today, House DFL Leader Paul Thissen, State Rep. Phyllis Kahn (DFL – Minneapolis), and State Rep. Yvonne Selcer (DFL- Minnetonka) are introducing legislation to build on efforts from last session and invest in youth development initiatives for Somali Minnesotans. In February, these same legislators brought forward this idea after a KSTP report showed that efforts to build community resiliency and provide empowering alternatives for Somali youth were woefully underfunded. They are now formally introducing legislation that they hope will move forward this session.
“Rep. Phyllis Kahn showed leadership in securing $250,000 in funding for programs like this last session,” said Leader Thissen. “We know that these programs are having a positive impact in our community and we should continue that progress by passing this legislation.”
The legislation, authored by Rep. Phyllis Kahn, funds community based organizations that will work on youth engagement, prevention and intervention activities through grants administered by Youthprise. The legislation also aims to increase community liaisons and build relationships through innovative community policing initiatives.
“It’s vital for us to continue to provide opportunities for Somali youth, both through these community-based programs and other efforts that empower the Somali community and allow our youth to flourish,” remarked Rep. Kahn. “This is about bringing opportunities to the Somali and East African youth in our state and I’m proud to continue working to do that.”
Recent KSTP reports have shown that efforts to build community resiliency and provide empowering alternatives for Somali youth are woefully underfunded. Partners in that effort suggested Minnesota was falling $2 million short of the needed investment.
“With our state’s $900 million surplus, there is no reason we shouldn’t make a commitment to help at-risk youth by improving opportunities for them,” said Selcer. “It’s essential for us to work together, focus on the youth in our communities and lift them up by providing them with the tools they need to succeed.”
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