Recent content from Jessie Van Berkel
Could Minnesota be among the first states to offer a basic income program?
No-strings-attached cash programs are popping up across the country. Minnesota has been home to five of the experiments. Now lawmakers are talking about $100 million to provide basic incomes to thousands.
Minnesota's 'archaic' tech wastes critical caseworker time, counties say
Gov. Tim Walz proposed $15 million for upgrades. Far more is needed to overhaul a crash-prone system used for child protection and other services.
Minnesotans with disabilities say Lyft, Uber departure would leave them stuck
Rideshare services have allowed more independence for many people who don't drive. But some say the companies have a poor track record of providing accessible services to all.
Trump administration denied Minneapolis nearly $1M over 'defund the police' comments
A federal audit found the rejection of the city's proposal to address rising opioid overdoses was "seriously flawed" and contained critical errors and omissions.
Group home rental licenses: Tool for oversight or discrimination?
Lawmakers are considering whether to exempt small group homes and assisted living facilities from rental licensing regulations. City officials are worried.
What the Minnesota Department of Human Services breakup means for you
State leaders hope splitting up the agency that serves about 1.5 million Minnesotans will lead to better service and more accountability.
Frustration builds as some rural Minnesotans struggle to get to medical appointments
Nonemergency medical transportation companies provide a federally-mandated service, but some say it's difficult to stay in business.
Stuck in jail: Minnesotans with mental illness languish in lockup
The wait time to access treatment for those in jail is at an all-time high. A new report suggests fixes, but they are complicated and costly.
Minnesota lawmakers eye additional oversight for peer recovery services
Legislators are considering regulations to rein in 'wild West' of peer addiction recovery services.
Many Minnesotans with disabilities earn far less than minimum wage. A push for equal pay continues.
Advocates want Minnesota to join other states ending subminimum wages, but the goal remains divisive as others fear people will be left out.