The 2024 session of the Minnesota State Legislature began on February 12, and we’re hitting the ground running! This year, Missions Inc. will be focusing on four priorities:

• Increase ongoing funding for Crime Victim Services: Grants from the MN Department of Public Safety are one of our biggest sources of funding for domestic violence services, but funding levels have remained stagnant for 9 years. Alongside other service providers, we’re asking the state to adequately fund these life-saving services.
• Include Board & Lodge facilities in adjustments to Housing Support requirements that cap participants’ contributions at 30% of their unearned income: If this passed, residents in our housing programs would only have to pay up to 30% of their unearned income (like SSI, RSDI, veterans’ benefits, Tribal payments, unemployment insurance, child support, etc.) towards their room and board. This would be a huge and welcome change for our residents.
• Increase reimbursement rates for supplemental services in Supportive Housing programs: While some reimbursement rates increase with inflation each year, the supplemental services rate has never increased. This is an important investment in the long-term sustainability of our housing programs.
• Support prohibition of source of income discrimination: Many recipients of housing vouchers are unable to find a landlord that will accept it, and may end up losing the voucher. Being able to secure housing is a crucial part of recovery from both domestic violence and substance use disorder.

If you want to learn more about our advocacy work or other ways you can get involved, please reach out to Sarah at sbusch@missionsinc.org.