Recent content from Jessie Van Berkel
Racial disparities in child protection prompt Minnesota legislation, federal complaint
Black children are twice as likely as white kids to be removed from their parents. For Native American kids, the disparities are even more stark.
Minnesota plan to close state addiction treatment facilities faces pushback
DHS wants to divert resources to address mental health crisis. Some fear Minnesota is "robbing Peter to pay Paul" and women with addiction will suffer.
Could Minnesota be among the first states to offer a basic income program?
No-strings-attached cash programs are popping up across the country. Minnesota has been home to five of the experiments. Now lawmakers are talking about $100 million to provide basic incomes to thousands.
Minnesota's 'archaic' tech wastes critical caseworker time, counties say
Gov. Tim Walz proposed $15 million for upgrades. Far more is needed to overhaul a crash-prone system used for child protection and other services.
Minnesotans with disabilities say Lyft, Uber departure would leave them stuck
Rideshare services have allowed more independence for many people who don't drive. But some say the companies have a poor track record of providing accessible services to all.
Trump administration denied Minneapolis nearly $1M over 'defund the police' comments
A federal audit found the rejection of the city's proposal to address rising opioid overdoses was "seriously flawed" and contained critical errors and omissions.
Group home rental licenses: Tool for oversight or discrimination?
Lawmakers are considering whether to exempt small group homes and assisted living facilities from rental licensing regulations. City officials are worried.
What the Minnesota Department of Human Services breakup means for you
State leaders hope splitting up the agency that serves about 1.5 million Minnesotans will lead to better service and more accountability.
Frustration builds as some rural Minnesotans struggle to get to medical appointments
Nonemergency medical transportation companies provide a federally-mandated service, but some say it's difficult to stay in business.
Stuck in jail: Minnesotans with mental illness languish in lockup
The wait time to access treatment for those in jail is at an all-time high. A new report suggests fixes, but they are complicated and costly.
Minnesota lawmakers eye additional oversight for peer recovery services
Legislators are considering regulations to rein in 'wild West' of peer addiction recovery services.
Many Minnesotans with disabilities earn far less than minimum wage. A push for equal pay continues.
Advocates want Minnesota to join other states ending subminimum wages, but the goal remains divisive as others fear people will be left out.
Minnesota addiction treatment centers closing, despite demand
As drug overdose deaths remain high, treatment providers said 2023 stood out for the number of program closures.
Study proposes reimbursement rate fix for Minnesota's broken mental health system
Lawmakers warn changes to provider reimbursement rates in the near future could be limited with a looming state budget deficit.
More Minnesota school staff, students train to combat teen overdoses
Naloxone has been administered at least twice in Twin Cities area schools so far this school year as the opioid crisis reaches students.
Minnesota volunteers who advocate for abused kids fear end of program could leave kids in danger
The state could become the second in the nation not to use volunteers, a move officials with the State Guardian ad Litem Board said is needed.
Terry Schneider, a pioneer of mental illness services in Minnesota, dies at 68
Schneider spent decades creating new programs for people with serious mental illnesses who few others would serve.
Psychiatric patient charged in fellow patient's killing in St. Peter
David Michael Otey bludgeoned the other man and choked an employee at the state-operated mental health facility, authorities say.
Deadly attacks draw attention to inadequacies in Minnesota's mental health system
Civil commitment can be used to stabilize some people in crisis. But to prevent crises, experts say Minnesota needs to expand treatment options.
Legislators seek ways to reform state's child protection system
The discussion about remaking the system comes after a Star Tribune investigation showing hundreds of Minnesota kids are harmed each year after being returned home.
Black unemployment rate falls to record low in Minnesota, but do numbers tell the whole story?
Community leaders question who is reflected in the numbers and whether workers are landing living-wage jobs.
Government jobs grew this year in Minnesota after post-pandemic lag
Private-sector jobs rebounded to pre-pandemic levels earlier this year, but government employment has not fully returned.
'I want you to hear me': Hildie Edwards becomes Minnesota's foremost trans youth advocate
From speaking at the State Capitol to performing at the Pride Festival, the 13-year-old is telling her story amid a national furor over transgender rights.
Twin Cities has one of the lowest inflation rates in U.S., at 1%
Minnesota low annual inflation continues to stand out from other metro areas nationwide.
Has tipping gotten out of control? How to navigate the new world of tipping
Touch-screen tip requests seem to be everywhere and the typical restaurant tip has climbed. Why are we tipping more?
Minnesota is losing more college students than it attracts, a troubling trend
Snowbirds are not the primary culprits in Minnesota's population losses. For years, it's been college students.
Former House Speaker Kurt Zellers to lead Minnesota Business Partnership
The former GOP gubernatorial candidate will lead one of the state's most prominent business advocacy organizations.
New DEED commissioner shares vision for Minnesota's jobs, economic future
New employment and economic development leader Matt Varilek said an influx of cash for his agency will help with workforce and child care challenges.
Teen employment hovers near decadeslong high amid tight Minnesota labor market
The teen unemployment rate nationally is the lowest it's been since the 1950s. Yet, employers still say there are not enough young workers to meet their labor needs.
Minnesota's top short-term lender ceases payday loans after state caps interest rates
Payday America stopped offering the loans it's known for and questioned where people will turn now for quick cash.
Fed's Kashkari: Banks need to have more money on hand if inflation remains high
The Minneapolis Fed president supported a plan to boost capital requirements for big banks.
Minnesota bans 'pervasive' noncompete agreements
New noncompete agreements are void starting July 1, but existing contracts will remain in place.
Archivist Jean-Nickolaus Tretter celebrated for preserving LGBTQ history
Tretter's friends and family reflected on a man whose collection is now housed at the University of Minnesota.
Minnesota loses 2027 Expo bid
The massive trade show, which city leaders hoped would spur development, went to Serbia instead.
Minnesota government workers push for higher pay in union negotiations
State pay hasn't kept pace with inflation and has fallen behind other government organizations, workers say.
Minnesota Democrats tout legislative session on national stage
DFL leaders are using legislative accomplishments to try to entice workers, and as a campaign season tool.
Minnesota needs to hire thousands of new workers. Can the state find them?
The state will be searching for staff to enact new programs and agencies amid the tightest labor market in a generation.
Higher daily expense payments, salaries on tap for Minnesota legislators
House members signed off this week on a $20 increase to their per diem pay, a move GOP legislators disputed.
Senate leader Dziedzic: 'I just listened to what the doctor said and just focused'
DFLer worked from hospital and home as she faced surgery and chemotherapy.
Minnesota first state to allow hourly school workers to seek unemployment benefits
Bus drivers, paraprofessionals and others can apply for unemployment insurance during summer break.
Craig injures ankle, missing vote on debt ceiling deal
She tripped while doing yard work and was scheduled for surgery Thursday.
Minnesota passes major drug changes, from psychedelics task force to legalizing paraphernalia
The state's new drug policies reach far beyond legalizing marijuana.
How did Minnesota Democrats unify to pass sweeping change?
From Social Security tax exemptions to gun restrictions, DFL leaders at the State Capitol held their caucuses together on divisive issues.
Minnesota's paid family and medical leave program becomes law
The benefit program and accompanying payroll tax won't start until 2026.
Walz, Democrats and advocates celebrate $72 billion budget
Republicans say the new budget will make it much more expensive to live in Minnesota.
Legislature ends session by passing largest infrastructure package in state history
Lawmakers sent a $2.6 billion infrastructure package to Gov. Tim Walz's desk on the final day of session.
Legislature passes $1.3B transportation deal with gas tax hike, sending it to Walz
Debate throughout the session has centered on how to fund much-needed fixes to the state's roads, bridges and public transit systems.
Minnesota House passes $3 billion tax cut plan, goes to Senate for final vote
The proposal also raises $1 billion in new revenues over the next two years.
Minnesota DFL legislators agree to index gas tax to inflation
Democrats struck a transportation budget deal they say raises funding long-term.
Legislature wrapping work on one of the most consequential sessions in Minnesota history
Democrats crossed off a long list of priorities in a single session in power. Republicans say they overreached.
Minnesota legislators strike deal on $2.6B infrastructure plan
The agreement includes more money that can be used to aid distressed nursing homes. The deal also aims to end the session on time.
Will this be year for Minnesota's long-stalled Equal Rights Amendment?
Backers herald "historic" legislative votes, await House action on proposed constitutional amendment.
Sick time provision would allow Minnesota workers to earn time off, paid by employers
Employees would earn one hour off for every 30 worked under a controversial provision in a sweeping jobs bill headed to the governor.
Lactating or pregnant workers could see new accommodations
Minnesota legislators are also pushing sales tax breaks on baby items and coverage of infertility treatments.
Minnesota legislators contemplate scaled-back $1.3B infrastructure plan
With the end of session fast approaching, Democrats have shifted from a borrowing bill to a smaller, all-cash plan.
Five takeaways from Minnesota Legislature's housing deal
The $1 billion bill is the most the state has ever spent on housing, but much of the money is one-time cash.
Minnesota Senate votes for paid family and medical leave
Republicans and some business owners have concerns about the bill, while a coalition supporting the proposal rallied outside the Senate chambers.
Minnesota nonprofits urge legislators to boost funding for homeless services
Nonprofits say that without additional state funding, some critical homelessness services could shrink or disappear altogether.
Minnesota legislators consider $100 million or more for communities hit by unrest
Businesses say more help is needed as legislators try to align differing proposals.
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What the Minnesota Legislature passed this year, and what's still to be signed
From recreational marijuana to tax cuts, we track the major bills at the State Capitol.
Could Minnesota become a 'Top 10' destination? Tourism officials seek cash, new approach
The state tourism bureau is poised for a post-pandemic spending boost as it aims to stand out from "Midwest wallpaper."
How do Minnesota Democrats' three tax plans differ?
DFL leaders must align tax bill differences, from rebate checks to Social Security tax breaks.
State Senate OKs conversion therapy ban, transgender and abortion refuge bills
The votes come as GOP-led states take steps to restrict access to abortion and and gender-affirming health care.
Minnesota's governor, other top state officers could see two pay raises
Gov. Tim Walz has said he would not take the higher pay.
Flooding escalates in Minnesota as rivers rise: 'Rain will not help'
After a winter of record-setting snowfall, melting snow and rain is flowing through tributaries across the state. The Crow River was expected to crest in Delano, Minn., on Wednesday.
Minnesota leaders monitor rain as floodwaters near peak
The state and local governments are starting to assess damage and recovery needs.
Rebate checks, credits and Social Security tax cuts proposed in House DFL bill
Minnesotans could see one-time checks of $275 to $550, tax credits for families and Social Security tax cuts under a proposal House Democrats unveiled Monday.
Minnesota bolsters disaster aid dollars as floods loom
Mississippi, Minnesota and St. Croix rivers will reach flood levels in some places in the next few days, the National Weather Service predicts.
Report shows delays, inaccuracies in Minnesota rent help program
Housing official says auditor's recommended standards were unreasonable given unprecedented circumstances.
Minnesota Republicans rally at Capitol to oppose DFL policies, spending
GOP supporters gathered on the day of Trump's arraignment, but their focus was on state politics.
