This bill appropriates a total of $2,000,000 from the general fund to the commissioner of employment and economic development for the FATHER Project, which is managed by Goodwill Easter Seals Minnesota and its partners. Specifically, the funding includes $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 and another $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2027. The purpose of the grant is to support fathers in overcoming various barriers that hinder their ability to provide economic and emotional support to their children, particularly focusing on community reentry after confinement.

The FATHER Project will operate in several locations, including Rochester, St. Cloud, St. Paul, and Minneapolis, as well as their surrounding areas. The initiative aims to address challenges faced by fathers, thereby enhancing their capacity to engage with and support their families effectively.