$14 million bill aims to invest in consumer-led independent living centers

Growing up in an abusive home had a lasting impact on Carol LaFleur. She ended up living on the streets and had to deal with domestic violence and substance abuse issues, leading to multiple stays in nursing homes, psychiatric centers and group homes. Agoraphobic, anorexic and needing a wheelchair to get around, LaFleur ended up confined to one room in her home.

Eventually, she was connected to a well-trained staff member at the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living who saw LaFleur as a whole person with dreams, goals and aspirations. With help from the staff, LaFleur was able to get out into the community, go to school and graduate at the top of her class for law enforcement training. LaFleur now works for the Metropolitan Council Transit Police.

The work of the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living helped turn someone who was a throwaway according to society into someone who is walking, working and paying it forward, LaFleur said.

A bill laid over by the House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee Tuesday would provide $14 million in the 2026-27 biennium from the General Fund for a centers of independent living grant program.

The total matches current biennial funding, which was increased by $8 million over base in 2023.

The money would go to eight centers around Minnesota which are among the few statutory nonprofits in the state. They serve thousands of Minnesotans of all ages and disabilities and assist with a range of activities such as managing finances, choosing a career path and getting a driver's permit.

Rep. Dan Wolgamott (DFL-St. Cloud), who sponsors HF1326, said investments in the centers save taxpayers money by keeping people in their homes and in the workforce. In the past two years, the centers helped move more than 1,600 people out of long-term care and assisted living facilities with estimated savings ranging from $100 million to $250 million.

“The more we can do to keep people in their own home and a holding a job, the better for families, the economy and our state budget,” Wolgamott said.

The centers are mandated to provide five core services: advocacy, information and referral, independent living skills, peer support and mentoring, and transition, according to a recent annual report of the Minnesota Statewide Independent Living Council. More than 50% of employees and 50% of board members must be people with a disability.

Referring to statutes surrounding the centers for independent living grant program, Rep. Dave Pinto (DFL-St. Paul) said its an example of nonprofit with more oversight.

“There’s a sort of a structure and it sounds like it’s working really, really well,” Pinto said.