Rep. Paul Thissen has introduced a bill to establish four New American Centers in communities across Minnesota. The New American Centers will provide a one-stop shop to help recent immigrants access jobs, education and other services, in partnership with local governments, school districts, and nonprofits. A New American Center will also be a civic center to educate the broader public about the cultural strengths of New Americans in their community and to engage in local cultural events.
"In recent discussions with folks in Moorhead, Worthington and other communities around the state, the idea of a one-stop shop for New Americans has come up time and time again,” said Rep. Thissen. “And in these times when more than ever we need to get to know each other as Minnesotans, the time for moving forward on the idea is now."