This legislative session, Safe Passage for Children of Minnesota has been at the Capitol working on behalf of Minnesota’s children. Board members, staff and volunteers for Safe Passage have met with legislators throughout the session, building relationships and making the case for three common-sense bills that have earned meaningful bipartisan support.
While this session has been challenging because of partisan divisions and a concerning budget outlook into the future, our work has not been in vain. The momentum that has been built gives us confidence that our initiatives may have a path forward in the next legislative session. Here’s an update on each of the initiatives:
Fiscal Analysis of Child Welfare Spending
This bill would require the hiring of an independent consultant to evaluate how Minnesota can maximize available federal funding streams, amid concerns that the state may not be fully accessing all federal child welfare funds for which it is eligible. It was authored by Rep. Dave Pinto (DFL—St. Paul) and Sen. Mary Kunesh (DFL—New Brighton) and supported by Rebecca St. George, Assistant Commissioner of Child Safety and Permanency for the Department of Children, Youth and Families. All agree the bill is needed and are committed to working through remaining practical details. We expect this bill to move forward next session.
Protecting Minnesota’s Volunteer Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Program
GAL volunteers are often the only consistent adult voice in a child’s life during an abuse or neglect case. This legislation protects and strengthens the volunteer program that makes their work possible. Rep. Peggy Scott (R—Andover) authored the House bill and Sen. Bonnie Westlin (DFL—Plymouth) carried the Senate companion.
While the bill is not expected to advance this session, the bipartisan authorship gives us a strong starting point for next year.
Educating the Public on Recognizing Signs of Abuse
Abuse can go unreported because people simply don’t know what to look for. This bill would require that day care providers hang posters providing parents and caregivers information on how to recognize and report abuse. The bill was authored by Rep. Bjorn Olson (R—Fairmont) as part of the House Children and Families Committee package on child welfare. There is no Senate companion due to timing of drafting, but Sen. Alice Mann (DFL—Edina) is supportive of the bill and would author the bill if it were not for the timing issue.
We are hopeful this bill may still be included in an omnibus bill before the session closes on Sunday at midnight and if not, we will be back with it next year.
We are grateful to every legislator who championed these bills, and to all of you who have advocated alongside us this session. We will share a full session recap once the Legislature adjourns.