MN SF2584

Creates the Minnesota Children and Family Investment Program Act, renaming the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) and modifying related child care assistance programs.

Extends child care assistance eligibility redetermination from every 6 months to every 12 months, with a deferral option until the end of the school year for young parents under 21 without a high school diploma who are students in support programs.

Adds child-only MFIP cases the ability to receive up to 12 hours of child care assistance per week if the child is not enrolled in other early childhood programming.

Expands MFIP work activity definitions to include attending a child's early childhood activities such as developmental screenings and follow-up services, with coordination requirements between employment providers and county agencies.

Establishes a task force on low-income families to review MFIP benefits and state tax policies affecting low-income families, with recommendations due to the legislature by January 15, 2014, and appropriates funds for an MFIP mentoring pilot program using a circles of support model.