Purpose

Provide funding to support a program aimed at helping fathers become more financially and emotionally involved with their children. The bill appropriates money from the general fund for a grant to Goodwill Easter Seals Minnesota and its partners to continue the FATHER Project in several Minnesota cities and surrounding areas.

Main Provisions

• Amount: Allocates 2,000,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2026.
• Recipient: Grants go to Goodwill Easter Seals Minnesota and its partners.
• Use: The funds must be used to continue the FATHER Project.
• Locations: The project will operate in Rochester, Park Rapids, St. Cloud, St. Paul, Minneapolis, and the surrounding areas.
• Purpose of Funds: To help fathers overcome barriers that prevent them from supporting their children economically and emotionally.

Funding and Administration

• Source of funds: General fund.
• Administration: Managed by the commissioner of employment and economic development.

Geographic Scope

• Cities and areas served: Rochester, Park Rapids, St. Cloud, St. Paul, Minneapolis, and nearby areas.

Program Goals and Impact

• Aims to increase paternal economic support (income, employment) and emotional involvement (parenting, relationship building) by addressing barriers faced by fathers.

Significance / Changes from Previous Law

• Establishes or continues a targeted grant program for the FATHER Project, funded for fiscal year 2026, to specific Minnesota communities through a grant to Goodwill Easter Seals Minnesota and partners.

Relevant Terms general fund commissioner of employment and economic development grant Goodwill Easter Seals Minnesota FATHER Project Rochester Park Rapids St. Cloud St. Paul Minneapolis surrounding areas fiscal year 2026 $2,000,000 economic development fathers barriers economic and emotional support