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In a letter to President Joe Biden, Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan underscored their commitment to working with the federal government to continue Minnesota’s long history of welcoming refugees by assisting with the resettlement of Afghan individuals and families.
The letter reads in part, "Minnesotans believe in treating all people with respect and dignity, and we have a strong tradition of welcoming those who seek refuge and supporting them to rebuild their lives and become part of our communities."
Some people with special immigrant visas already have arrived in Minnesota and more are expected in the coming weeks. Learn more about Minnesota's resettlement services at mn.gov/dhs/people-we-serve/children-and-families/services/refugee-assistance/.
With new legislation passed in 2021 to reflect modern economics and family dynamics, Minnesota’s child support program helps children get the financial support they need to reach their highest potential.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services, with its county and tribal partners, supports parents and their children through the child support program. Over the next several years, implementing the new legislation will better support children and their families in several ways, including by:
- Eliminating interest on child support debt
- Helping families, particularly families with low incomes, determine appropriate child support with updated child support guidelines
- Providing tribal resources in communities.
Read more in the department’s Aug. 13 news release.
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Students’ use of alcohol and marijuana went down when several Minnesota colleges and universities implemented a variety of strategies to reduce substance use, according to a new report.
The study from Wilder Research, commissioned by the Minnesota Department of Human Services, examined federally funded prevention efforts that reached 60,000 students on seven campuses over four years. The Partnership for Success strategies ranged from personalized online feedback to healthy outdoor activities, responsible beverage server trainings, classroom presentations, marketing campaigns, policy changes and educational sanctions.
The report found significant reductions in underage alcohol use on five campuses, and in young adult marijuana use on two campuses – declines of five percentage points or more.
Read more in the department's Aug. 30 news release.
 More than 386,000 Minnesotans currently receive #SNAP benefits. With a monthly average of $125.66 per person, finding healthier food options can be an issue for families with low incomes. With the Market Bucks initiative, the state will match up to $10 of participants’ SNAP benefit per day at a participating farmers market.
For instance, if a SNAP recipient goes to the farmers market and provides $10 in SNAP benefits at the Market Bucks booth, they will receive $20 in Market Bucks to be used at the market.
The Market Bucks program is administered by Hunger Solutions Minnesota. It not only supports local businesses and farmers – it also creates healthier futures for Minnesotans. Find your local market at www.hungersolutions.org/farmersmarkets.
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For accessible formats of this publication or assistance with additional equal access to human services, write to dhs.communications@state.mn.us, call 651-431-2911, or use your preferred relay service.
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