Minnesota is taking steps to supervise autism services providers and some housing services providers more closely.

Starting June 1, the Minnesota Department of Human Services will tighten screening requirements for providers who bill Medicaid for autism services and some housing services. This includes Housing Stabilization Services, which helps older adults and people with disabilities with housing, as well as Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention autism services. The state will re-categorize both types of services as “high risk.”

“It’s clear that these critical services need more oversight,” said temporary Human Services Commissioner Shireen Gandhi. “Moving these providers into the high-risk category is only the first step. We need more staff to put eyes on these programs and make sure everyone is safeguarding resources meant to help children, people with disabilities and older Minnesotans.”

The federal government sets three levels of screening for providers who bill Medicaid: limited, moderate and high risk. Autism services are currently designated moderate risk, while Housing Stabilization Services are considered limited risk. States may choose to move providers into higher risk categories, and that’s what Minnesota will do.

The change will strengthen oversight by:

• – Mandating enhanced fingerprint background studies for owners
• – Requiring screening visits before Medicaid enrollment and when enrollment is revalidated
• – Allowing DHS to make unannounced site visits

• Governor Tim Walz’s budget includes a strong slate of strategies to better detect, investigate and penalize fraud. The proposals include adding DHS staff to administer increased screening and enhanced oversight activities, as well as using new technology to detect fraud, strengthening investigation authority and tightening regulatory oversight.

Gandhi made the decision in late March, following internal discussions with DHS staff, to move autism and housing services to high-risk. Providers were given a 30-day notice this week. New providers will need to comply with the requirements beginning June 1. Existing providers will be phased into the new requirements when they renew their Medicaid enrollment.

Many autism services providers and Housing Stabilization Services providers work hard every day to meet pressing needs across Minnesota. DHS encourages providers to reach out if they need technical assistance.

Anyone who suspects fraud or abuse of Medicaid funds is encouraged to report it by calling the DHS program integrity oversight hotline at 651-431-2650 or by visiting mn.gov/dhs/reportfraud. Medicaid is known as Medical Assistance in Minnesota.

                                                                      – 30 –

Minneapolis has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Vision Zero for Youth U.S. Leadership Award by the National Center for Safe Routes to School, becoming one of only two cities in the nation to receive the honor. This award, now in its eighth year, recognizes cities, counties, and tribal governments committed to eliminating severe injuries and fatalities among children who walk and bike to school.

Prioritizing Youth Transportation Safety

Minneapolis’ recognition is a direct result of its ongoing efforts to prioritize the safety of young pedestrians and cyclists. The city’s approach focuses on strategic policy changes, infrastructure improvements, and cultivating robust partnerships aimed at creating a safer environment for its youngest residents.

“We want our kids to be focused on learning in school, not worrying about whether or not they’ll get there safely,” said Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. “This award is a reflection of our commitment to creating safer streets, where everyone—children and adults alike—can walk and bike with confidence.”

Collaborative Efforts for Safer Streets

The Vision Zero for Youth award committee specifically commended the collaborative work between the City of Minneapolis and Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS). Together, they have implemented a series of initiatives under the Vision Zero traffic safety program and Safe Routes to School. These initiatives include:

• Citywide 20 mph Speed Limit on Neighborhood Streets: Aiming to reduce vehicle speeds in areas where children and families are most likely to be walking or biking.
• Traffic Safety Enhancements Around Schools: Improved infrastructure, such as better signage, crosswalks, and lighting, near educational institutions.
• Universal Bicycle Safety Education: All fourth and fifth-grade students in Minneapolis are provided with bike safety education to help them navigate streets safely.
• Pilot Program for Speed Safety Cameras Near Schools: This program aims to discourage speeding near school zones and increase overall traffic safety.
• Youth Engagement in Policy and Street Improvement: Students and their families are actively involved in discussions and decisions about local safety changes.

“These efforts are more than just infrastructure updates; they represent a commitment to fostering a culture of safety,” said MPS Superintendent Dr. Lisa Sayles-Adams. “Our student bike education programs, combined with the city’s safety improvements like reduced speed limits, are making a real difference in the lives of our students.”

Vision Zero for Youth Initiative

The Vision Zero for Youth initiative, launched by the National Center for Safe Routes to School in 2016, encourages communities to prioritize safety for children and youth, focusing on efforts to slow traffic in areas where young people travel. This year’s award marks a milestone, as Minneapolis shares the honor with the Pueblo of Jemez, a small community that has also made significant strides in youth traffic safety.

“These communities have intentionally invested in partnerships and infrastructure changes that will benefit children and families for years to come,” said Nancy Pullen-Seufert, Director of the National Center for Safe Routes to School. “Their achievements are examples of the impact that focused efforts can have on creating safer, more sustainable communities.”

A Model for Other Cities

Minneapolis’ recognition places it among a distinguished list of previous awardees, including Arlington, Va.; Los Angeles; New York City; Fremont, Calif.; Lincoln, Neb.; and Seattle. Notably, the Milwaukee Safe Routes to School Program also received an innovation award during the COVID-19 pandemic for its creative solutions in maintaining safe routes for children during the crisis.

About the National Center for Safe Routes to School

Founded in 2006, the National Center for Safe Routes to School plays a crucial role in promoting safe, active travel for children and youth. The organization supports communities with tools, training, and research to improve walking and biking conditions, while also leading the Vision Zero for Youth Initiative. Over the years, it has provided national coordination and technical assistance for U.S. Walk and Roll to School Day and Bike and Roll to School Day.

The National Center, located at the UNC Highway Safety Research Center, is dedicated to helping communities across the U.S. build a safer, healthier environment for students, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to walk or bike to school safely.

Minneapolis’ recognition with the 2025 Vision Zero for Youth U.S. Leadership Award is a testament to the city’s commitment to making streets safer for its youth. By focusing on policy changes, infrastructure enhancements, and community partnerships, Minneapolis is setting an example for other cities across the country. With the continued collaboration between city officials, schools, and families, Minneapolis is ensuring that children can get to school without the added worry of unsafe roads.

Minneapolis, MN – The Minnesota Institute of Horn of Africa Studies (MNIHAS), in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Djibouti, hosted an informational workshop on the upcoming U.S.-Djibouti Trade and Investment Mission. The event took place on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Norway House in Minneapolis.

The workshop brought together a diverse group of participants, including Ambassador Mohamed Said Douale who joined virtually, Executive Director of MNIHAS, elected officials, business leaders, investors, representatives from academic institutions, chambers of commerce, and community members—all united by a shared interest in exploring investment opportunities in the Republic of Djibouti.

During the event, organizers officially announced that the U.S.-Djibouti Trade and Investment Mission will take place from May 28 to May 31, 2025. The mission is designed to foster strong business partnerships between U.S. and Djiboutian companies, strengthen bilateral economic ties, and expand market access for American businesses in the region.

With a population of over 400 million in the East African market, Djibouti’s strategic location on the Red Sea positions it as a gateway to international trade. The country presents significant opportunities across a range of sectors, including logistics, renewable energy, infrastructure, agriculture, technology, and education.

The trade and investment mission aims to connect American businesses with key stakeholders in Djibouti, creating a platform for sustainable collaboration and mutual economic growth.

All reactions:

44