SF 533

as introduced - 89th Legislature (2015 - 2016) Posted on 02/06/2015 08:22am

A bill for an act
relating to capital investment; appropriating money for a connection center
facility.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. new text begin FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.
new text end

new text begin The legislature finds and declares that the goal of housing stability for all Minnesotans
is consistent with the state's responsibility to protect the health, safety, and welfare of its
citizens. Homelessness is the most serious form of housing instability. While the numbers
of Minnesotans experiencing homelessness persists at unprecedented levels since before
the great recession, and proven strategies are being effectively used to solve homelessness
consistent with the 2013 state plan to prevent and end homelessness, the state has and
should continue to invest in these strategies. The legislature finds and declares that a unique
opportunity now exists to build upon past investments and advance proven and innovative
strategies to prevent and end homelessness by funding construction of a connection and
opportunity center as part of a broad and comprehensive public private partnership.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin APPROPRIATION; CONNECTION CENTER.
new text end

new text begin $....... is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner of human services
for a grant to Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis for the purpose of funding a
homeless prevention and solution facility. This appropriation may be used to cover up
to one-half of the project cost. The remaining cost must be paid from nonstate sources.
The grant may be used to predesign, design, construct, furnish, and equip a connection
center to serve as an integrated one-stop delivery system connecting persons at risk of
becoming homeless, and persons working to move up and out of homelessness, to services
that improve their health, income, housing stability, and well-being. This appropriation
may be used to acquire property for these purposes. This appropriation is available until
the project is completed or abandoned subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.642.
new text end