Sen. Bobby Joe Champion

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1 million from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to the Birth Justice Collaborative to plan and develop an African-American-focused "Homeplace" model in Hennepin County. The model aims to improve access to culturally centered pregnancy and postpartum care, targeting better maternal and child health outcomes for Black mothers. The grant requires the Collaborative to report on implementation progress and outcomes by December 15, 2026, including recommendations for future expansion. The funding is available until June 30, 2028.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $125,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $125,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the West Broadway Business and Area Coalition. The funds are specifically for the coalition's Youth Jobs program, which provides soft skills, marketing, and advertising training to youth in North Minneapolis. The grant is a one-time appropriation, not an ongoing funding source. It directly supports the coalition's efforts to prepare local youth for employment opportunities.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates three songs as official state songs of Minnesota: "Hail! Minnesota" (composed by Truman E. Rickard and Arthur E. Upson), "Purple Rain" (by Prince and the Revolution), and "Girl from the North Country" (by Bob Dylan). It formally recognizes these songs as part of Minnesota's cultural identity under state law. The bill explicitly states that this designation does not override copyright protections, meaning performances or derivative works still require permission from copyright holders. The law affects the state's official cultural recognition, not public access or usage rights.

Maddy summarySF 1644 appropriates $8.6 million from state bond proceeds to fund Phase 2 of the Hennepin Avenue Suspension Bridge reconstruction in Minneapolis. The funds, sourced from the state transportation fund, will cover design, engineering, construction, and related roadway work for the historic bridge and its approach bridges. Hennepin County will receive the grant to execute the project, with bonds authorized up to $8.6 million to finance the appropriation. This bill directly affects Minneapolis infrastructure and the county's bridge reconstruction efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $150,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $150,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the arts and cultural heritage fund to support the Hmong Cultural Center of Minnesota. The funds will be administered by the Minnesota Humanities Center Board of Directors to cover museum programs, library services, and educational classes. These activities specifically aim to teach the public about the historical, cultural, and folk arts heritage of Hmong Minnesotans. The bill directly affects the Hmong Cultural Center of Minnesota by providing dedicated funding for its core programming and outreach.

Maddy summarySF 1458 appropriates $250,000 from the workforce development fund for a one-time grant to the Northside Boxing Club in fiscal year 2026. The funds will support youth programs teaching business and life skills through barbering mentorship, emphasizing discipline, respect, and hard work. Participants will receive training in customer service, communication, money management, and professionalism, alongside wraparound services like meals, tutoring, and homework help. The grant is available until June 30, 2027, and directly benefits at-risk youth in Minneapolis through the club's structured program.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $20 million from state bond proceeds to fund flood mitigation projects in North Minneapolis' Cleveland neighborhood. It specifically targets aging stormwater infrastructure on 34th, 35th, and Washburn Avenues to prevent recurring flooding. The funds will be used by the city of Minneapolis to design, construct, and equip new infrastructure, including associated street reconstruction. The state will issue bonds up to $20 million to cover this appropriation, as authorized under Minnesota law.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1,000,000 from the workforce development fund for a one-time grant to the Black Women's Wealth Alliance. The funding will support the organization in providing job skills training, career counseling, and career placement assistance to individuals. The direct beneficiaries are Black women in Minnesota seeking employment support through this specific program. The key provision is a single-year allocation to expand workforce development services targeting this community.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $300,000 from the arts and cultural heritage fund for fiscal year 2026 to support the Walker West Music Academy. The funds will directly support the academy in providing 12 free concerts, youth and adult music education programs, professional development for music educators, and community choir initiatives. The bill creates a specific grant for these concrete programs, benefiting residents who access the academy's services. It does not change existing laws or create new regulations, but allocates state funds for defined cultural activities.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $400,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $400,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the workforce development fund to the commissioner of employment and economic development. The funds are designated as a one-time grant to the Urban League Twin Cities. The grant supports the organization's existing workforce solutions and wealth building programs in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. The bill does not create new policy but allocates specific funding for these established initiatives.