Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to provide funding for voice mail services to support homeless and low-income individuals in Minnesota. This service will help these individuals secure housing and employment.

Main Provisions

• The bill proposes appropriating $85,000 annually for two consecutive fiscal years (2026 and 2027).
• The funding is allocated from the general fund to the commissioner of housing finance.
• These funds are intended for a grant to Open Access Connections, an organization that offers free voice mail services to individuals in need across Minnesota.
• A portion of the funds ($15,000 each year) must be specifically directed towards expanding voice mail service access in areas outside the seven-county metropolitan region.

Significant Changes

• The bill introduces a new appropriation for a targeted communication service to aid low-income and homeless populations, enhancing their ability to find housing and gain employment.
• It strengthens support for areas outside the main metropolitan region, ensuring wider statewide access to these communication services.

Relevant Terms

homeless, low-income, voice mail services, Open Access Connections, housing finance, communication tool, community voice mail, affordable housing, employment.