Skip to main content Skip to office menu Skip to footer
Capital IconMinnesota Legislature

Human services panel advances bill expanding data use by DHS

Allowing the Department of Human Services to use unemployment data for decision making received overwhelming support.

The House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee approved HF3269 on an 18-0 vote Thursday and referred it to the House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee.

The bill, which has no Senate companion, would expand the state’s commitment to data-informed approaches, said sponsor Rep. Jessica Hanson (DFL-Burnsville).

Currently, the department can use wage information from the Department of Employment and Economic Development for the Minnesota Family Investment Program. The data helps Human Services Department staff better understand the labor market and people who use the program. The proposed change would allow the agency to also use data from other programs, such as the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, general assistance, supplemental aid and housing support.

“Having a clear understanding of employment patterns allows the state to understand the barriers and opportunities to ultimately employ the tools necessary to move more families and children out of poverty,” Hanson said.


Related Articles


Priority Dailies

Minnesota’s projected budget surplus balloons to $3.7 billion, but fiscal pressure still looms
(House Photography file photo) Just as Minnesota has experienced a warmer winter than usual, so has the state’s budget outlook warmed over the past few months. On Thursday, Minnesota Management and Budget...
Legislative leaders announce 2024 committee deadlines
(House Photography file photo) Legislators and the public officially know the timeline for getting bills through the House committee process during the upcoming 2024 session. Here are the two deadlines fo...

Minnesota House on Twitter