Purpose

Provide funding to continue and support the FATHER Project in Minnesota. 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.

Main Provisions

• Allocation: If enacted, $1,000,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $1,000,000 in fiscal year 2027 would be appropriated from Minnesota's general fund.
• Administration: The money goes to the Commissioner of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) to grant to Goodwill Easter Seals Minnesota and its partners.
• Use of funds: The grant must be used to continue the FATHER Project in Rochester, St. Cloud, St. Paul, Minneapolis, and surrounding areas.
• Purpose of the project: The FATHER Project aims to help fathers overcome barriers that limit their ability to support their children financially and emotionally, including support related to community reentry after confinement.

Administrative and Legal Context

• Source of funds: General fund.
• Implementing agency: Commissioner of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).
• Beneficiary organization: Goodwill Easter Seals Minnesota and its partners.
• Scope of program: Continuation of the FATHER Project in specified urban centers and nearby areas.

Geographic Scope

• Cities: Rochester, St. Cloud, St. Paul, Minneapolis.
• Surrounding areas: The surrounding areas referenced in the bill.

Beneficiaries and Goals

• Primary beneficiaries: Fathers facing barriers to employment, family stability, and economic contribution to their children.
• Desired outcomes: Improved economic support for children, enhanced emotional support for children, and better community reentry outcomes after confinement.

Fiscal Details

• Fiscal year 2026 amount: $1,000,000.
• Fiscal year 2027 amount: $1,000,000.
• Funding source: General fund.

Relevant Terms - FATHER Project - Goodwill Easter Seals Minnesota - Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) - general fund - grant - fiscal year 2026 - fiscal year 2027 - Rochester - St. Cloud - St. Paul - Minneapolis - surrounding areas - community reentry - confinement - fathers - economic support - emotional support - barriers to employment - partners