Purpose

This bill provides funding to support centers for independent living as part of Minnesota’s vocational rehabilitation efforts. It allocates money from the state’s general fund to the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) so it can grant funds to centers for independent living, under the framework of Minnesota law.

Main Provisions

• Appropriates $7,011,000 from the general fund to DEED for each of the two upcoming fiscal years (FY 2026 and FY 2027).
• The appropriated funds are designated for grants to centers for independent living.
• Grants are allocated under Minnesota Statutes section 268A.11, which governs centers for independent living and related support.
• Section 1 specifies the appropriation amounts and the recipients (centers for independent living) and ties the funding to the statutory authority referenced.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill does not change statutory language beyond providing new appropriations. It increases or specifies funding levels to support centers for independent living through DEED, via grants authorized under the existing statute (268A.11). It does not alter the underlying eligibility criteria or program requirements in statute, but it adds new funding for fiscal years 2026 and 2027.

Practical Impact

• Centers for independent living will receive more funding to deliver vocational rehabilitation-related services, supports, and advocacy.
• The state budget for these services is clarified for two future fiscal years, helping planning for program administration and services.

Terminology to Note

• Vocational rehabilitation
• Centers for Independent Living (CILs)
• Grants
• General Fund
• Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)
• Minnesota Statutes section 268A.11
• Fiscal year 2026
• Fiscal year 2027
• Appropriation

Relevant Terms centers for independent living, vocational rehabilitation, grants, general fund, DEED, Minnesota Statutes 268A.11, fiscal year 2026, fiscal year 2027, appropriation