Coalition warns of looming $12 million cut to Minnesota crime victim services fund

Corey Pickering, training and technical assistance director at the Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MNCASA), told the committee that a projected $12 million cut to the Crime Victim Services Fund in fiscal year 2027 would represent roughly a 20% reduction in public funds for victim services and could force smaller, rural programs to close or merge.

"We are not asking for expansion; we are asking to maintain what already exists," Pickering said. She described shelters operating beyond capacity, advocates carrying overwhelming caseloads, and increasing service demand — citing a 30% increase in victim requests for services at one program in Duluth in 2025.

Sen. Oumou Verbeten and other committee members said they would pursue revenue options in the taxes committee and explore support across the legislature to prevent service losses.