MFIP Legislation - Catholic Charities

In 2003, as a response to Minnesota’s budget problems, the state introduced new rules that froze the public assistance grants for families on the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) who give birth to another baby. This policy is called the “Family Cap.” Essentially, a mother on public assistance will not receive additional resources from the state if her family grows with the birth of a new child.

Outcomes

Public assistance programs always have the biggest targets on their backs in difficult budgetary times. This year was no exception. Here is the status of Catholic Charities’ three priorities on the issue of public assistance:

Repealing the ‘Family Cap’: In the final hours of negotiations, this provision was removed from the budget bill.

Paid work experience: This program was funded at with an additional $14 million over the next two years. This is a great victory for those truly looking to move from welfare-to-work because it will provide stepping stone jobs for those preparing for to enter the workforce.
Unfortunately $9.2 million in federal child care funds will be used for other purposes and not to provide child care assistance to counties with large waiting lists.

Catholic Charities of St. Paul & Minneapolis · 1200 Second Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55403 · 612-664-8500