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Minnesota House to approve MFIP payment boost for low-income working Minnesotans

Saturday, May 9, 2020

SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Today, the Minnesota House of Representatives is expected to pass legislation to boost payments for low-income working Minnesotans in the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) or Diversionary Work Program (DWP).

“This legislation is another step we can take as state leaders to provide Minnesotans with greater economic security during this pandemic,” said House Speaker Melissa Hortman. “The families in this program are among those most challenged by the economic hardships caused by COVID-19. It’s critical that we provide assistance to help them make ends meet.”

The bill appropriates $13.85 million in federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds to provide one-time payments of up to $500 per household for families enrolled in MFIP or DWP, programs that help Minnesotans move to financial stability through work. Families that participate in these programs have limited access to COVID-19 assistance. They aren’t eligible for unemployment insurance, and many won’t receive the federal government’s COVID-19 stimulus relief checks.

“The assistance in this bill will go directly to help working families with children during this COVID-19 pandemic,” said Majority Leader Ryan Winkler. “Investing in our working families and children is an investment in a stronger future for Minnesota.”

Approximately 27,000 families and 55,000 children rely on temporary help from MFIP or DWP to meet their basic needs. While MFIP generally serves families that earn less than $27,000 per year (for a family of three), most Minnesotans who receive this assistance earn less than $15,000 per year.

“All Minnesotans deserve economic security during this public health crisis, and those who are least likely to have it are being hardest hit,” said Rep. Laurie Halverson (DFL – Eagan), the author of the bill. “Using available federal funding to boost payments will help working families with children stay housed, put food on the table, and continue moving towards financial stability. These emergency payments could make a lifetime of difference for thousands of Minnesotans while serving as a powerful economic stimulus tool.”

The legislation can be found here, and video of today’s floor debate will be available here.