Public Engagement & Equity Update: Grants and Scholarships Available Part 1
On December 1, Governor Tim Walz proclaimed Minnesota AIDS Day to raise awareness about the disease and the stigmas sometimes associated with it. It was a day dedicated to remembering those that were lost too soon and reflecting on the progress that has been made. The Governor also proclaimed December 3 as Day of Persons with Disabilities in Minnesota in recognition of the 32nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Minnesota acknowledges that people with disabilities have been discriminated against and recognizes the progress that has been made because of the advocacy of people with disabilities.
As we announced last week, the Governor’s Office is hiring a Public Engagement Liaison to work with Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) and LGBTQIA+ communities. The position closes on Tuesday, December 13. The Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is also hiring an Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Immigration and Refugee Affairs. Applications are due Monday, December 12. I encourage you to share these positions with your networks.
CMAH Post-Election Conference on Black Policy Outlook
Join the Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage (CMAH) for Growing Our Gifts: A Post Election Conference on Black Policy Outlook. This online discussion will focus on priorities and policy issues for the African heritage community.
CMAH recognizes the hard work and incredible resilience of Black people and other disadvantaged groups in Minnesota amidst pandemic and post-pandemic economic and geopolitical crises. The “Growing Our Gifts” conference will focus on post-election policy outlook across three areas of growth in Black Minnesota: economic security, education equity, and health, housing, and social support systems.
The event will take place on Tuesday, December 6, from 4 – 7:30 p.m.
Deadline Extended: Metropolitan Council Application
Deadline: Friday, December 9
The application for those hoping to serve as members of the Metropolitan Council is extended. Applications are now due by 4 p.m., Friday, December 9.
The Met Council is the regional planning agency for the seven-county metropolitan area. The Met Council operates the regional bus and rail system, collects and treats wastewater, coordinates regional water resources, plans regional parks and administers funds that provide housing opportunities for low- to moderate-income individuals and families.
MDA Seeks Feedback on the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program
Deadline: Monday, December 12
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is looking for public input on a draft application for the Minnesota Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) Program. Provide feedback by joining one of four virtual input sessions or through an online form until Monday, December 12. Feedback shared during this process will inform the final application process for this competitive grant program, which is expected to be released in winter 2023.
Feedback is welcome from potential applicants to the program along with others interested in community food systems, including farmers, food hubs, economic development agencies, and hunger relief networks.
The public input sessions will be held at the following times using Zoom. The same information will be presented at each session.
• Wednesday, December 7, from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
• Thursday, December 8, from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Health Insurance Options for Self-Employed Minnesotans
Deadline: Thursday, December 15
Health insurance can be complicated, especially if you're self-employed or a small business owner. MNsure is here to help. MNsure is the only place you can receive tax credits to save on premiums. Expanded tax credits are available for more Minnesotans – including those with higher incomes. Check out the resources on MNsure’s website, including guidance on estimating income and what to do if your circumstances change.
To have coverage that starts on Sunday, January 1, 2023, enroll by Thursday, December 15. (Open enrollment goes through January 15, 2023.)
New Grant for Minnesota High Schools to Purchase Nursing Equipment
Deadline: December 16
As part of the Next Generation Nursing Assistant initiative, a new grant is currently available for Minnesota high schools to purchase up to $5,000 in nurse aid training equipment to support their in-school programs. Minnesota school districts with approved nursing assistant programs are eligible to apply.
Deadline for proposals is Friday, December 16, and equipment must be purchased and received by Wednesday, February 8, 2023.