Gov. Mark Dayton's self-assessment of his progress halfway through his first term continues with a look at community programs.
Earlier this week, his office released checklists on health, education and the economy.
The governor says he's "focused on helping all Minnesotans do better by delivering high-quality services that support a nation-leading quality of life."
The specifics cited are:
- Helping Minnesotans Stay in Their Homes. Provided foreclosure counseling for 17,000 families, helping 56 percent of those households avoid foreclosure and stay in their homes.
- Providing a Home for Veterans. Completed construction of a veterans home in Minneapolis, providing 100 new beds in safe, comfortable housing for Minnesota veterans; expanded and made improvements to Fergus Falls, Silver Bay, and Luverne veterans homes.
- Keeping Energy Rates Low. Saved ratepayers $130 million by opposing rate hikes proposed by electric and gas utilities.
- Supporting the Dream of Homeownership. Helped 4,650 Minnesota families become first-time homeowners; 23% were families of color.
- Helping Seniors Live Independently. Helped almost 500 seniors move out of a nursing home back into their home or community. Compared with 2010, that represents a 185% average annual increase.
- Providing Affordable Rental Housing for Low-Income Families. Closed 163 loans for multifamily rental properties, providing quality, affordable housing for 6,850 low-income Minnesota families.
- Helping Disabled Minnesotans Live Independently. Helped more than 400 persons with disabilities move out of an institution and into a home. Compared with 2010, that represents a 62% increase.
- Keeping Wastewater Rates Low. Helped hold wastewater rates 35% below the national average, saving Twin Cities residents $118 per year.
- Helping Seniors Live Full and Productive Lives. Helped 90,000 seniors access information and services to improve the quality of their lives and find opportunities to serve their communities.
- Supporting Minnesota Veterans. Created 180 new Yellow Ribbon networks to coordinate community resources and support for 400,000 Minnesota veterans, military service members and their families.
- Helping Victims of Domestic Violence. Provided emergency shelter to 9,739 victims of domestic violence, helping them develop safety plans.