Summary of SF 4776 (Session 2025-2026) — Department of Human Services and Department of Children, Youth, and Families Forecast Adjustments
Purpose
- The bill proposes adjustments to forecasted or anticipated spending for specific programs within the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). The adjustments modify appropriations from the general fund and other named funds for fiscal years ending June 30, 2026 and June 30, 2027, effective after final enactment.
Key Provisions and Changes
Article 1 — Department of Human Services (DHS)
- Overall effect: Increases or decreases to DHS forecasted programs, reflected as changes to the baseline appropriations from the general fund and the Health Care Access Fund for the specified years.
- Total appropriations (DHS):
- 2026: $739,634,000
- 2027: $775,035,000
- Appropriations by fund (selected highlights):
- General Fund: 2026: $652,953,000; 2027: $615,407,000
- Health Care Access Fund: 2026: $86,681,000; 2027: $159,628,000
- These changes apply to forecasted programs listed in Subdivision 2.
- Forecasted programs (with year-by-year adjustments):
- General Assistance: 2026 $7,909,000; 2027 $9,653,000
- Minnesota Supplemental Aid: 2026 $2,976,000; 2027 $3,233,000
- Housing Support: 2026 $29,593,000; 2027 $44,727,000
- MinnesotaCare: 2026 $86,681,000; 2027 $159,628,000 (funded from Health Care Access Fund)
- Medical Assistance: 2026 $589,777,000; 2027 $525,140,000
- Behavioral Health Fund: 2026 $22,698,000; 2027 $32,654,000
- Effective date: The article becomes effective the day after final enactment.
Article 2 — Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF)
- Purpose: Adjust forecasted programs for DCYF and corresponding funding from the General Fund and Federal TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) funds.
- Total appropriations (DCYF):
- 2026: $(45,161,000)
- 2027: $(36,451,000)
- These are negative totals, indicating net reductions in the forecasted adjustments.
- Appropriations by fund (highlights):
- General Fund: 2026 $(22,395,000); 2027 $(10,320,000)
- Federal TANF: 2026 $(22,766,000); 2027 $(26,131,000)
- Forecasted programs and adjustments (by program and year):
- MFIP/DWP (Minnesota Family Investment Program / Diversionary Work Program)
- General Fund: 2026 $(7,245,000); 2027 $(3,125,000)
- Federal TANF: 2026 $(22,766,000); 2027 $(26,131,000)
- MFIP Child Care Assistance
- 2026 $(26,220,000); 2027 $(18,822,000)
- Northstar Care for Children
- 2026 $11,070,000; 2027 $11,627,000
- Effective date: The article becomes effective the day following final enactment.
Operational and Fiscal Context
- The bill is framed as a forecast adjustment package, not new, stand-alone program authorizations. It revises expected dollar levels for specific help programs under DHS and DCYF, drawing from existing appropriations and funds, including the Health Care Access Fund and TANF.
- The changes alter the projected annual funding for key safety-net and care programs, including health coverage (MinnesotaCare, Medical Assistance), income supports (General Assistance, MFIP), housing assistance, and child welfare supports (Northstar Care), among others.
- Some programs see increases (notably MinnesotaCare and Housing Support under DHS) while others see reductions (notably MFIP-related and MFIP Child Care, plus Medical Assistance overall in DHS and several DCYF programs).
Effective dates
- Both articles become effective the day after final enactment.
Who is affected
- Recipients and providers of DHS and DCYF programs, including:
- Low-income individuals and families (health care access, medical assistance, general assistance, MinnesotaCare, MFIP and related child care assistance)
- Housing assistance program participants
- Families and children involved with child welfare under Northstar Care
- Program administrators and service providers funded through these forecasted adjustments
Notes
- The bill’s action history shows initial committee passage and re-referral to Finance, indicating potential amendments or refinements during the budgeting process.
