New residents would have been eligible only for state assistance equal to the amount from the state they previously resided, under a bill defeated 12-7 by the House Health Care and Human Services Policy and Oversight Committee March 12.
Sponsored by House Minority Leader Marty Seifert (R-Marshall), HF1036 would limit the amount of General Assistance and Minnesota Family Investment Program payments for those living in the state for less than 12 months. Seifert said it would curb the number of people coming from other states who “take advantage of the state treasury and our good will.”
According to the nonpartisan House Research Department, the current wait time is 30 days with some hardship exemptions.
Opponents argue there isn’t data that proves people are moving here for state assistance. Further, the change would also violate the federal and state constitutions, Rep. Thomas Huntley (DFL-Duluth) said. Similar California legislation was ruled unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1999.
Ralonda Mason, attorney with St. Cloud Area Legal Services, said Minnesota has tried similar legislation twice before and both were found to be unconstitutional.
Rep. Paul Thissen (DFL-Mpls) asked how counties would implement and obtain benefit information from other states. Seifert acknowledged the implementation could pose problems, but said “it is doable.”
Brian Rusche, executive director of the Joint Religious Legislative Coalition, said the bill would “pour salts in the wounds of people who are already struggling.” It tries to curb something that is possibly very isolated, he said.
A companion, SF860, sponsored by Sen. Chris Gerlach (R-Apple Valley), awaits action by the Senate Health, Housing and Family Security Committee.
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