Purpose

This bill creates a state funding stream to support a program called the FATHER Project. The goal is to help fathers overcome barriers that keep them from economically and emotionally supporting their children, including helping with community reentry after confinement (imprisonment or incarceration).

Main Provisions

• Provides an appropriation of $1,000,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $1,000,000 in fiscal year 2027 from Minnesota’s general fund.
• Allocates the money as a grant to Goodwill Easter Seals Minnesota and its partners.
• The grant is intended to continue the FATHER Project in the listed cities and surrounding areas.

Funding and Administration

• The grant must be administered by the commissioner of the department responsible for employment and economic development (the agency that oversees economic development programs).
• The funds come from the general fund and are specifically designated for this project and recipient.

Geographic Scope

• The program will operate in Rochester, St. Cloud, St. Paul, Minneapolis, and the areas around these cities.

Expected Impact

• Help fathers overcome barriers to providing for their children economically (e.g., employment, financial stability) and emotionally (e.g., maintaining relationships with children).
• Support fathers who are reentering the community after confinement, improving opportunities for stable housing, work, and family engagement.

Changes to Existing Law

• Creates a new, targeted appropriation for the FATHER Project, directing state general funds to a specific program and recipient.
• Establishes funding for the project for two fiscal years, expanding state support for programs focused on father involvement and reentry success.

---

Relevant Terms FATHER Project; Goodwill Easter Seals Minnesota; grant; general fund; commissioner of employment and economic development; Rochester; St. Cloud; St. Paul; Minneapolis; community reentry; confinement; economic and emotional support; barriers; fathers; partners.