Voice and Action // Voz y Acción - End of Session Wrap-Up: read our report and watch our video!

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MCLA is an executive branch agency that advises on policy and legislation, and works for more than 345,000 Latino Minnesotans to ensure equality and equity statewide.

MCLA es una agencia de gobierno que asesora sobre políticas y legislación, y trabaja para más de 345,000 Latinos en Minnesota, a fin de asegurar igualdad y equidad en todo el estado.

Contents | Contenido

• 2024 Legislative Highlights:
  What the Legislative Outcomes Mean for Minnesota's Latine Communities
• VIDEO: MCLA's 2024 Legislative Session Wrap-Up
• Proclamation: Ethnic American Day in Minnesota
• Apply Now for the Young Women’s Initiative Cabinet!
• Fraud and Extortion in the Latine Community: A Growing Concern
• Access Free Audio Books and Materials from the MN DEED Communication Center
• DHS Open grants, RFPs and RFIs
• Latino Affairs in Media || Asuntos Latinos en Media
• The Community Board || El Tablero Comunitario
• MN Careers || Carreras MN

Legislative Session 2024

2024 Legislative Highlights: What the Legislative Outcomes Mean for Minnesota's Latine Communities

We are pleased to share with you the MCLA's 2024 Legislative Session Wrap-Up report, which details some strides made this session to advance equity and justice for Minnesota's Latine communities. Despite an unusual legislative landscape, several critical bills were passed, impacting education, healthcare, economic development, and cultural representation. We invite you to read the full report to understand the progress made and the work that lies ahead. Your continued support and active participation are essential as we prepare for the 2025 legislative session.

Together, we can build a more inclusive and equitable Minnesota.

Join your Council to advocate for transformational changes!
Contact: mcla.desk@state.mn.us

Aspectos Destacados de la Legislatura 2024: Lo Que los Resultados Legislativos Significan para las Comunidades Latines de Minnesota

Nos complace compartir con ustedes el informe de cierre de la sesión legislativa 2024 de MCLA, que detalla algunos avances logrados esta sesión para promover la equidad y la justicia para las comunidades latinas de Minnesota. A pesar de un panorama legislativo inusual, se aprobaron varios proyectos de ley críticos que impactan la educación, la salud, el desarrollo económico y la representación cultural. Le invitamos a leer el informe completo para entender algunos de los cambios logrados y el trabajo que aún nos queda por hacer. Su apoyo continuo y participación activa son esenciales mientras nos preparamos para la sesión legislativa de 2025.

Juntos, podemos construir un Minnesota más inclusivo y equitativo.

Legislative Session 2024

VIDEO: MCLA's 2024 Legislative Session Wrap-Up

Click to watch the video

Join us in recapping the 2024 Legislative Session. This video review shines a light on the significant wins and legislative advancements with the potential of benefiting Latine communities and all Minnesotans. From critical wins in education and cultural initiatives, to the Minnesota Voting Rights Act, we summarize the passage of many bills prioritized by the community, and our contributions towards a more equitable Minnesota.

Únase a nosotros para recapitular la Sesión Legislativa de 2024. Esta revisión en video arroja luz sobre los importantes logros y avances legislativos que tienen el potencial de beneficiar a las comunidades latinas y a todos los habitantes de Minnesota. Desde victorias críticas en iniciativas educativas y culturales hasta la Ley de Derecho al Voto de Minnesota, resumimos la aprobación de muchos proyectos de ley priorizados por la comunidad y nuestras contribuciones hacia un Minnesota más equitativo.

via the Office of Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan

Celebrating Ethnic American Day in Minnesota

Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan signed a proclamation recognizing the first Sunday of June as Ethnic American Day in Minnesota. This day recognizes the state's multicultural population and its invaluable contributions. The ethnic councils play a crucial role in shaping inclusive policies. Join us in acknowledging the importance of diversity and inclusivity in our state.

Celebrando el Día de la Etnicidad Americana en Minnesota

El gobernador Tim Walz y la Vicegobernadora Peggy Flanagan firmaron una proclamación reconociendo el primer domingo de junio como el Día de la Etnicidad Americana en Minnesota. Este día reconoce la población multicultural del estado y sus invaluables contribuciones. Los consejos étnicos desempeñan un papel crucial en la configuración de políticas inclusivas como asesores y enlaces. Reconozcamos juntos la importancia de la diversidad y la inclusión en nuestro estado.

via the Office of Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan

Apply Now for the Young Women’s Initiative Cabinet!

Join the Young Women’s Initiative Cabinet!
Application deadline: Friday, June 14, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.

Help us spread the word! Applications for the Young Women’s Initiative Cabinet are now open! The Young Women’s Initiative Cabinet is a first-of-its-kind partnership between the Governor’s Office and the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota. The YWCA St. Paul hosts the Young Women’s Cabinet, and its members are appointed by the Office of the Governor and Lt. Governor.

Young women and gender-expansive people between the ages of 16 and 24, especially those from underrepresented communities, are encouraged to apply for open positions with the Young Women’s Cabinet. The Young Women’s Cabinet is a year-long commitment, and members qualify for a stipend. Applications will be accepted through Friday, June 14. Interested youth are welcome to join the upcoming webinar to learn more.

The purpose of the Cabinet is to actively engage in leadership and advocacy development, policy initiatives, and community engagement to address disparities for girls and young women. The Young Women’s Cabinet is comprised of young people representing the following communities: African American, African Immigrant, American Indian, Asian American/Pacific Islander, people with disabilities, Greater Minnesota, Latine, and LGBTQ+. The Cabinet ensures that the efforts of the Young Women’s Initiative of Minnesota stay grounded in the lived experiences of young women and gender-expansive youth.

via DVS Services - Minnesota Department of Public Safety

Fraud and Extortion in the Latine Community: A Growing Concern

Example of fraudulent Facebook group // Ejemplo de un grupo fraudulento en Facebook

Fraud schemes targeting the Latine community in Minnesota are on the rise, especially concerning obtaining driver's licenses. These scams promise easy licenses without testing, exploiting vulnerable individuals.

One family paid $1,000 each for what they believed were legitimate licenses and received photos of the supposed licenses. When asked for more money and they refused, they were threatened. Unidos MN assisted them and advised contacting the attorney general.

The City of Richfield has issued a Scam Alert about a scam targeting Spanish-speakers. Scammers charge $300 for fake licenses and instruct victims to pick them up at the Richfield Municipal Center, which does not issue or test for licenses. Residents are urged to report these scams and contact the Richfield Police if they fall victim.

To report any kind of fraud, please contact the Minnesota Department of Vehicle Services (DVS) at DL.ID.Concerns.DPS@state.mn.us. Stay vigilant and protect your community from these fraudulent schemes.

Fraude y Extorsión en la Comunidad Latina: Una Preocupación Creciente

Los esquemas de fraude dirigidos a la comunidad latina en Minnesota están en aumento, especialmente en lo que respecta a la obtención de licencias de conducir. Estas estafas prometen licencias fáciles sin pruebas, explotando a personas vulnerables.

Una familia pagó $1,000 cada uno por lo que creían que eran licencias legítimas y recibieron fotos de las supuestas licencias. Cuando se les pidió más dinero y se negaron, fueron amenazados. Unidos MN les ayudó y les aconsejó contactar al fiscal general.

La Ciudad de Richfield ha emitido una Alerta de Estafa sobre un fraude que apunta a los hispanohablantes. Los estafadores cobran $300 por licencias falsas e instruyen a las víctimas a recogerlas en el Centro Municipal de Richfield, que no emite ni prueba licencias. Se insta a los residentes a reportar estas estafas y contactar a la Policía de Richfield si caen víctimas.

Para reportar cualquier tipo de fraude, por favor contacte al Departamento de Servicios de Vehículos de Minnesota (DVS) en DL.ID.Concerns.DPS@state.mn.us. Manténgase alerta y proteja a su comunidad de estos esquemas fraudulentos.

via MN DEED Communication Center

Access Free Audio Books and Materials from the MN DEED Communication Center

The Communication Center from MN DEED provides free audio books and materials to Minnesotans with print disabilities. As part of the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, they offer numerous titles on cartridge or digital download, along with custom, human-voiced recordings. Their 24/7 news, books, and information service is simple and easy to use.

Who Can Benefit?

• A person with paralysis can use a breath switch or other accessories to access the functions of our digital book player. In addition, our 24-7 online reading service can be access by voice using a smart speaker.
• A person who cannot hold a book or who has tremors may prefer reading through audio and may also find the digital player easy to manipulate.
• Persons with brain injuries sometimes find that language is easier to process through audio.
• Persons with dyslexia and other processing disorders may find that using audio in conjunction with printed text provides a path to decoding

The Communication Center is “Minnesota’s Accessible Reading Source.” Your help in spreading the word about these free resources is appreciated.

Thank you for supporting Minnesotans with disabilities.

via Department of Human Services

DHS Open grants, RFPs and RFIs

DHS is seeking to provide Minnesota Resettlement Network Services: Community Workshops.

Information due June 21, 2024

Grants and RFPs / Minnesota Department of Human Services (mn.gov)

DHS is seeking to provide Health Care Services to Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare Enrollees under alternative payment arrangements through Track 1 or Track 2 of the Integrated Health Partnerships (IHP) Demonstration.

Grants and RFPs / Minnesota Department of Human Services (mn.gov)

DHS is seeking to provide culturally specific behavioral health supports and services and/or workforce development within cultural and ethnic minority communities.

Grants and RFPs / Minnesota Department of Human Services (mn.gov)

DHS is seeking to provide for Minnesota Resettlement Network Services: Immigration Legal Services.

Grants and RFPs / Minnesota Department of Human Services (mn.gov)

DHS is seeking to provide Minnesota Resettlement Network Services: Family Resource Connections.

Grants and RFPs / Minnesota Department of Human Services (mn.gov)

DHS is seeking to provide integrated, culturally supportive perinatal care to American Indian people at high risk for low birth weight and preterm births.

Grants and RFPs / Minnesota Department of Human Services (mn.gov)

DHS is seeking to provide Child Care Aware Statewide Coordination Services and Supports for the Child Care Aware of Minnesota System

Grants and RFPs / Minnesota Department of Human Services (mn.gov)

DHS, through its Resettlement Programs Office, is seeking to partner in Resettlement Network Family Education Supports.

Grants and RFPs / Minnesota Department of Human Services (mn.gov)

DHS is seeking Qualified Individuals who are culturally competent, trained professionals or licensed clinicians, including mental health professionals, to conduct Qualified Residential Treatment Program assessments.

Grants and RFPs / Minnesota Department of Human Services (mn.gov)

DHS is seeking information about Greater MN Regional New American Services Hubs

Information due June 17, 2024

Grants and RFPs / Minnesota Department of Human Services (mn.gov)

DHS is seeking to provide Minnesota Resettlement Network Services: Employment and Career Supports.

Grants and RFPs / Minnesota Department of Human Services (mn.gov)

DHS is seeking to provide Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Provider Capacity Grants for Rural and Underserved Communities: Round Three

Grants and RFPs / Minnesota Department of Human Services (mn.gov)

Media Radar

Latino Affairs in Media | Asuntos Latinos en los medios

KIRSTI MAROHN (MPR): Spanish-language tests spiked since passage of Driver’s License for All law. READ MORE

SARAH THAMER (MPR): Nonprofit COPAL calls on state leaders to support Temporary Protected Status for Ecuador. READ MORE

MADISON MCVAN (MN Reformer): Minnesota city leaders call for temporary protected status for Ecuador. READ MORE 

MIKE MOEN (Public News Service): Several months in, Latino advocates assess MN's Driver's Licenses for All. READ MORE

The Community Board | El Tablero Comunitario

Upcoming Events / Proximos eventos

Have an event you want to share with the community? Let us know!
Email: Luis.Argueta@state.mn.us

The Agricultural Worker Project

SAVE THE DATES for two upcoming Facebook Live events (Spanish and English) regarding the newer Minnesota law: Earned Safe and Sick Time (ESST). Please share the event invitations with agricultural workers.

CLUES MN

When: Saturday, September 14, 2024
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Where: 797 East 7th Street, St. Paul MN 55106

MN Careers | Carreras MN

Now Hiring

• Esperanza United || Chief Executive Officer
  Closing Date: Open
• Esperanza United || Family Advocate - Community
  Closing Date: Open
• COPAL || Financial Controller
  Closing Date: Open 
• Unidos MN || Climate and Equity Level 2 Organizer
  Closing Date: Open
• CLUES || Open Positions include:
  • Behavioral Health Client Support Specialist
  • Care Coordination Supervisor
  • Children's Mental Health Case Manager
  • Director of Community Health & Wellness
  • Grant Writer
  • Licensed Practical Nurse - LPN
  • Outpatient Mental Health Manager
• OutFront MN || Twin Cities and Greater MN Community Organizers
• Teacher's On Call || Immediate substitute teacher and paraeducator opportunities
  Closing Date: Open
• Riverland Community College || Customized Training - Truck Driving Instructor
  Closing Date: Open

Questions, feedback, media and print inquiries:
Preguntas, comentarios o consultas de medios:

Luis.Argueta@state.mn.us
Communications and Public Affairs Director