On Friday, January 23, 2015, a legislative briefing on children and youth issues was held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in St. Paul. Advocates, legislators, and Governor Mark Dayton presented their legislative agendas related to children and youth.

Governor Mark Dayton’s opening remarks included highlights from his Governor’s Budget (issued this week), with $371 million going to education and $154 million going to human services (half of which will go to children’s services). Noting the increase in number and severity of abuse cases in Minnesota, Governor Dayton spent some time addressing the challenges of Minnesota’s child protection system, highlighting the system as a major area of growth for the state to be focused on in this session. Child protection statistical reports from Minnesota Department of Human Services do show an increase in the number of reports made alleging physical and sexual abuse; the data does not indicate severity. View the Minnesota Child Welfare Reports here: Child Protection Publications

Legislators’ Agendas Related to Children and Families

During the last portion of the conference, legislators Branden Petersen (Sen-R), Melisa Franzen (Sen-DFL), Ryan Winkler (Rep-DFL), and Ron Kresha (Rep-R) responded to moderator Jim Hoolihan’s question about what child- and youth-related policies they hope to see initiated or changed this session. Melissa Franzen spoke to investment in early childhood education, stating that only 1.1% of the state general fund (~ $16.8 billion) currently goes toward early learning. She stressed the need for early childhood scholarships, school readiness tax credits, and quality cost for daycare. Other interests related to this topic that were mentioned by others on the panel included transportation to and from school (Sen. Petersen) and affordable childcare (Rep. Winkler). Both Rep. Winkler and Sen. Franzen stressed the importance of investment in the early years as a way to ensure everyone has opportunities for successful outcomes.

Ron Kresha, one of the legislators on the Governor’s Task Force on the Protection of Children, mentioned the importance of the “power of one” in making a difference in a child’s life, specifically in keeping children safe. He called to workers of Minnesota to use their voices to advocate for children, to bring their story to the legislature, and said that legislators will work across party lines to bring about changes. This sentiment was echoed by the other members who all agreed on the value of a single voice.

Other Speakers and Panelists

The Minnesota Children’s Cabinet: Moderated by Melvin Carter III

  • Dr. Brenda Cassellius, Commissioner, Department of Education
  • Dr. Edward Ehlinger, Commissioner, Department of Health
  • Lucinda Jesson, Commissioner, Department of Human Services

The Minnesota Children’s Cabinet focused on structural racism, health inequities, school mental health grants, early intervention, family stability and engagement, and reducing suspensions.

Youth Perspectives: Moderated by Eyenga Bokamba

  • Kari Denissen Cunnien, Executive Director, Sprockets
  • Karina E., Minnesota Youth Council
  • Heather W., Minnesota Youth Council
  • Rogelio S., Minnesota Youth Council
  • Zachary C., Minnesota Youth Council, Woodbury

The Minnesota Youth Council representatives advocated for after-school programming and student access to opportunities (including extracurricular activities).

Emerging 2015 Program and Policy Initiatives: Moderated by Denise Johnson

  • Joan Brandt, Coalition Chair, Minnesota Coalition for Targeted Home Visiting
  • Barbara Milon, Executive Committee, MinneMinds Coalition
  • Peggy Flanagan, Executive Director, Children’s Defense Fund
  • Liz Kuoppala, Executive Director, Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless

Community advocates called for greater investment in targeted home visiting, fully funding early learning scholarships and Basic Sliding Fee child care assistance, guaranteed access to Part C Early Intervention for homeless and highly mobile children, and Homes for All, among other initiatives.