Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to provide funding for the Open Access Connections program, which offers free voice mail services to homeless and low-income individuals in Minnesota. This service aims to support these individuals in their search for affordable housing and stable employment.

Main Provisions

• The bill proposes an appropriation of $85,000 for both fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from Minnesota's general fund.
• These funds will be granted to the organization Open Access Connections.
• The grant is intended to ensure homeless and low-income individuals have access to free voice mail services.
• This communication tool is designed to help users find and maintain housing and jobs.

Significant Changes

• The bill specifies that $15,000 each year must be allocated to increase the usage and accessibility of voice mail services in areas beyond the seven-county metropolitan region of Minnesota. This suggests an expansion of services to rural and outlying areas that may not have full access currently.

Relevant Terms: homeless, low-income, voice mail services, communication tool, housing, employment, seven-county metropolitan area, rural access, funding.