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Governor Walz announced that Minnesota Housing is deploying a $40 million investment to 24 Family Homeless Prevention Assistance Program (FHPAP) administrators across Minnesota, allowing assistance to begin reaching approximately 11,000 households. The investment was proposed by Governor Walz following Operation Metro Surge, included in his budget recommendation, and approved by the Legislature earlier this year.
“Minnesotans are working hard, but too many families are feeling squeezed by the rising cost of everyday life. One unexpected setback shouldn't mean losing your home,” said Governor Walz. “We proposed this investment to help families stay in their homes, support communities, and give people the chance to get back on their feet. I'm grateful to our partners for helping get these resources out the door quickly so thousands more Minnesotans can stay housed and keep building their future.”
The Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program provides direct financial assistance and supportive services to Minnesota households facing a housing crisis. By expanding investments through trusted community partners already serving Minnesotans, the state will quickly deliver emergency housing assistance and services to households experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk of losing their housing. The funding is expected to provide housing stability for approximately 11,000 households.
Governor Walz joined other governors from across the country urging the U.S. Postal Service to withdraw a proposed rule that would fundamentally change how mail ballots are handled in federal elections. The proposal would require states to submit lists of absentee voters and ballot tracking information to the Postal Service, allowing USPS to determine whether ballots can be mailed. If a state does not comply, the proposal could prevent ballots from being delivered to eligible voters.
“As we celebrate the birth of our nation, we're reminded that democracy isn't something we inherit once and keep forever; it's something every generation has a responsibility to protect,” said Governor Walz. “Americans have fought to defend the freedom to vote. We cannot allow that right to be undermined by federal overreach or political interference. Every eligible voter deserves to have their voice heard, and every state deserves to administer its elections free from unlawful federal intrusion.”
In a joint letter, the governors outlined how the proposal exceeds the Postal Service's legal authority by inserting a federal agency into election administration, a responsibility the Constitution reserves to states and Congress. The letter also notes that a federal court has already blocked the executive order underlying the proposal in several states, finding that USPS does not have the authority to regulate elections or determine voter eligibility.
 Last week, Governor Walz visited Open Cupboard in Maplewood to highlight the launch of the Office of Public Service and announce the office’s eight inaugural Service to Success grantees. The new office will coordinate and expand access to service opportunities across the state, helping Minnesotans find meaningful ways to contribute while creating pathways for young people to enter in-demand careers with family-sustaining wages.
“The value of public service is reflected in our people. Minnesotans lead the nation in consistently giving back to their communities,” said Governor Walz. "The Office of Public Service expands opportunities to engage in this vital work, while building clear pathways for all people to serve their neighbors and support their communities, ensuring Minnesota remains the best place to raise a family.”
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