Some Minnesota Families In Need To Get Monthly Aid Boost

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) -- Minnesota's cash assistance program for low-income families will offer a $100 boost in monthly aid starting next year.

Minnesota Public Radio News reports that state lawmakers approved the Minnesota Family Investment Program's monthly grant increase in May. The extra funding will be available beginning February 2020.

It's the first increase to the program since it began 33 years ago. Minnesota officials estimate the change will help more than 30,000 families.

Toshieka Washington and her children were homeless for two years, and she's been relying on the program to get back on track. Washington says the $100 per month increase will help her get basic necessities she can't afford now, such as laundry detergent and more toilet paper.

Washington says $100 doesn't seem like much, but she feels like she won the lottery.

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