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County corrections group urges full funding, three‑year averaging to stabilize supervision formula
Summary
Representatives of the Minnesota Association of Community Corrections Act Counties told the Senate Judiciary committee that the revised community-supervision funding formula needs full funding and three-year averaging (Senate File 2120) to prevent staff losses, maintain evidence‑based programs and prepare for expected increases from MRRA reentry.
Representatives of the Minnesota Association of Community Corrections Act Counties (MACAC) told the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee on March 10 that the state’s revised community supervision funding formula is producing gains but remains underfunded. MACAC asked lawmakers to enact measures in Senate File 2120 to implement three‑year averaging in the formula and to fully fund the per‑diem rate used to allocate state money.
Speakers — including MACAC legislative director Emilio Lamba, Scott County Community Corrections Director Molly Bruner and Kandiyohi Community Corrections Director Dr. Tammy Jo Lieberg — said the current formula contains a base allocation and a per-diem capitated rate ($5.62 per felony supervision day; $2.81 for juvenile/gross misdemeanor/misdemeanor), but that some counties still face shortfalls. Testimony included an illustrative county example where funding shortfalls would equate to the loss of two to three probation agents or reduced programming.
Witnesses said increased funding already allowed counties to lower caseloads, expand cognitive behavioral programming, stand up reentry housing and reduce recidivism risk. MACAC argued that removal of supervision fees in 2027 was intended to be offset by state funding, and that absent full funding counties will face staff losses, higher caseloads and diminished community supervision capacity — particularly as Minnesota implements the Minnesota Rehabilitation and Reinvestment Act (MRRA), which will increase the number of individuals transitioning from incarceration to supervised release.
MACAC said Senate File 2120 would smooth year‑to‑year fluctuations and provide predictable county funding; the Department of Corrections indicated support for three‑year averaging. Committee members asked clarifying questions; MACAC urged lawmakers to maintain funding to preserve recent programmatic gains.
