On May 31, Governor Walz signed the Judiciary and Public Safety bill, which includes MDHR’s budget, into law. The signed budget ensures every Minnesotan is able to thrive, leading lives free from discrimination and rich with opportunity. The budget will allow MDHR to continue protecting the civil rights of all Minnesotans by partnering with businesses, addressing specific cases of discrimination, and identifying opportunity for outreach and education.

Civic Engagement: The budget strengthens MDHR’s civic engagement work by funding the Civic Engagement Coordinator position, which has been grant funded. Through this role, MDHR can better partner with communities throughout the state through education and outreach.

Operating Adjustment: The budget invests in MDHR so that it can maintain the critical services provided to Minnesotans. The budget ensures MDHR can continue to supports its dedicated staff and cover costs associated with providing core services and advancing values of the agency.

Regional Offices: The final budget did not include funding to open regional offices that Governor Walz and the House proposed. MDHR is committed to continuing to find ways to partner and provide services in Greater Minnesota.

Most importantly, THANK YOU for all that you did during the legislative session to ensure all Minnesotans can live full lives, free from discrimination.

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Fatima Moore, MDHR’s Government Relations Director at Fatima.Moore@state.mn.us or 651-539-1127.

In May, MDHR Commissioner Lucero and Metropolitan Council Chair Slawik launched the first meeting of the Southwest Light Rail Transit (SWLRT) Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) & Workforce Advisory Committee. MDHR co-chairs the committee, which guides the Metropolitan Council in overseeing construction contractors’ efforts towards meeting and hopefully exceeding workforce participation goals.

The workforce participation goals for the SWLRT are 20% women and 32% people of color, as well as increasing diversity in procurement of goods and services in this $2 billion endeavor. The committee and its work play an important role in ending racial and gender disparities and building wealth in the SWLRT coordinator.

Join us for the 29^th Anniversary Celebration of the ADA on Friday, July 26 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the Anderson Center at Hamline University.

This year’s speakers include MDHR Commissioner Rebecca Lucero, Department of Human Services Deputy Commissioner Claire Wilson, Minnesota Disability Law Center Attorney Chad Wilson, and more!

The event will also feature Gaelynn Lea, violinist, songwriter, and 2016 NPR Tiny Desk Contest Winner.

For more information or to request an accommodation by July 17, please contact Cindy Tarshish at cindyt@mcil-mn.org or 651-603-2015.

Being in the community is just as important as the work MDHR does for the community. Be sure to check out our booth at the following events. We will have swag, trivia questions, and information on how MDHR works to protect the civil rights of all Minnesotans. We hope to see you there!

• June 14: Juneteenth, St. Cloud
• June 15: Juneteenth, Minneapolis
• June 22-23: PRIDE, Minneapolis
• July 13-14: Dragon Festival, St. Paul
• Aug. 24: Minneapolis Urban League Family Day, Minneapolis

Paralegal (Job ID: 33218)

MDHR is hiring a Paralegal who will play a role in the transformational goals of MDHR. Under the direction and supervision of the General Counsel, this position provides executive, technical, and professional legal analysis and administrative assistance to support the Department’s General Counsel and MDHR attorneys, Director of Alternative Dispute Resolution, and Director of Settlement Compliance.

To apply for this position, click “Apply” on http://mn.gov/careers and search JOB ID 33218. Salary range: $20.30 - $28.54 /hourly; $42,386 - $59,592 /annually.