Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to support individuals experiencing homelessness and those with low incomes by ensuring they have access to reliable communication tools. This is intended to assist them in finding affordable housing and securing employment.

Main Provisions

• Funding for Voice Mail Services: The bill proposes an appropriation of $85,000 for both fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from Minnesota’s general fund. These funds will be directed to the commissioner of housing finance to issue grants to Open Access Connections.
• Service Focus: The grants will be used explicitly to provide free voice mail services to homeless and low-income individuals across the state of Minnesota.
• Expansion of Services Beyond Metro Areas: An additional $15,000 each year is specifically designated to enhance the utilization and availability of community voice mail services in regions outside Minnesota's seven-county metropolitan area.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Increased Access in Greater Minnesota: The bill introduces an emphasis on expanding voice mail services to more rural and less densely populated areas, which previously may have had limited access to such resources.

Relevant Terms

• Voice mail services
• Homeless assistance
  
• Low-income support
  
• Open Access Connections
  
• Housing finance
  
• Communication tools for job searching
  
• Rural and metropolitan area services