COPAL asks for funding to expand workforce, language and labor‑protection services for Latino Minnesotans

Senate File 14 24, presented March 3, would provide $750,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $750,000 in fiscal year 2027 from the General Fund to Communities Organizing Power and Action for Latinos (COPAL) to continue workforce development, education, wage‑theft restitution and other services.

Senator Fatai, sponsor of the bill, said COPAL operates in multiple Minnesota cities and engages a statewide network. "Copal has a physical presence in the Twin Cities, Rochester, Mankato, and provides services to Latinos across Minnesota," Fatai said, and noted the organization had provided a biannual report and copies of its 990 to committee members.

Francisco Segovia, introduced as COPAL’s executive director, described program priorities that include connecting new Americans to long‑term care employment, offering GED, computer and financial literacy classes, and supporting labor protections for wage‑theft victims. He also told the committee COPAL continues to expand services and cited results in the packet distributed to the committee.

Several senators asked about COPAL’s public advocacy activities after press reports about protests in Rochester. Segovia answered that the organization uses volunteer and staff time for civic engagement and that when contracts require client reporting (for example to Workforce One) the organization follows those requirements. He said foundation funding comprises about 40% of COPAL’s revenue and government contracts about 45% and that civic engagement time and modest direct costs have been used for public advocacy; he characterized much protest participation as volunteer time and stated funds are used consistent with legal restrictions for contracted work.

Committee members requested additional documentation and clarified the committee’s role is to evaluate how state funds would support workforce services. Senate File 14 24 was laid on the table for possible inclusion.