Board OKs truancy grant application, proclaims March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

The Anoka County Board approved two human services consent items and heard informational briefings about federal policy changes affecting benefits.

Consent items: On the consent agenda Commissioners authorized staff to apply for and accept grant contract AWP-100007 from the Anoka County Children and Family Council (award amount up to $50,000, indicated to run from 09/01/2026) to partner with local school districts to identify and address juvenile truancy. The board also adopted Resolution 2026 HS5 proclaiming March 2026 as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month; meeting remarks noted about 6,000 county residents have been diagnosed with a developmental disability.

Informational briefing: Commissioner Meissner summarized a presentation on federal changes to SNAP and Medical Assistance under the reconciliation bill (referred to in the meeting as HR 1), saying eligibility changes for immigrants and expanded work requirements could affect county costs and levy planning. Commissioners asked staff to continue monitoring and updating the board as details roll out.

All consent items passed on a roll-call vote; the grant authorization directs staff to pursue the award and return with final contract details if awarded.