After the fight for GAMC, our campaign continues– now focused on protecting the income assistance for many of the same people who had their health care coverage at risk. The Governor would eliminate General Assistance and end income assistance to families on the Minnesota Family Investment Program who have parents or children with disabilities. We can’t allow the Minnesota House and Senate to submit budget proposals that mirror the Governor’s cuts to -- OR find other ways to cut General Assistance or the Minnesota Family Investment Program. Each member of the Human Services budget committee in the House needs to hear from at least 100 constituents living in their district. BACKGROUND:
General Assistance and MFIP are poor substitutes for unemployment insurance, paid sick leave, and short and long-term disability insurance. - General Assistance is the only income support provided to adults without children in the household and in crisis. 64% of the adults who turn to General Assistance are seriously ill and cannot work. The assistance Minnesota provides is meager – $203 a month for a single adult. It is how people pay their medical co-pays, their share of rent or utilities, the costs of socks or underwear, the rent for storage lockers, etc.
- The Minnesota Family Investment Program is the state’s welfare-to-work program for families with children. The vast majority of parents who turn to MFIP are low wage workers who have lost jobs or have been reduced to so few part-time hours the family is in financial crisis. Like, General Assistance, the assistance is bare-bones -- $532 for a parent with two children. These are not budget-busters: Together MFIP and General Assistance cost only one half of 1% of the state general fund budget.
The MN House of Representatives will release its human services budget proposals in the coming weeks. We need phone calls and emails RIGHT NOW. Tell them: "Do not make cuts to General Assistance or MFIP. They are what is left of the safety net for unemployed low wage workers and those with serious illnesses and disabilities." Rep.Thomas Huntley
651-296-2228
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Rep. Jim Abeler
651-296-1729
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Rep. Matt Dean
651-296-3018
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Rep. Tom Anzelc
651-296-4936
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Rep. Laura Brod
651-296-4229
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Rep. Julie Bunn
651-296-4244
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Rep. Tom Emmer
651-296-4336
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Rep. Patti Fritz
651-296-8237
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Rep. Steve Gottwalt
651-296-6316
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Rep. Jeff Hayden
651-296-7152
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Rep. Larry Hosch
651-296-4373
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Rep. Mary Kiffmeyer
651-296-4237
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Rep. Tina Liebling
651-296-0573
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Rep. Erin Murphy
651-296-8799
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Rep. Mary Ellen Otremba
651-296-3201
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Rep. Joyce Peppin
651-296-7806
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Rep. Sandra Peterson
651-296-4176
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Rep. Maria Ruud
651-296-3964
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Rep. Bev Scalze
651-296-7153
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Rep. Nora Slawik
651-296-7807
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Rep. Cy Thao
651-296-5158
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Rep. Paul Thissen
651-296-5375
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If you are not sure who your representative is, go to http://www.gis.leg.mn/mapserver/districts/ and find out in 10 seconds. If you don't live in any of the districts listed above, please find a friend, family member, old classmate, colleague, board member, or somebody who does and ask them to call for you! We'd like 100 calls to each of these elected officials!
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