New IT Modernization Fund brings technology advancements to DCYF and state partners
On Monday, Sept. 14, Governor Walz held a ceremonial bill signing for bipartisan legislation passed during the 2026 session that established the IT Modernization Fund for human services systems. This bill will provide key technology updates to specific state, county and Tribal Nation systems, creating improved efficiency, accuracy and a better experience for Minnesotans seeking benefits.
The bill’s funding will be put towards several key projects including:
- $15 million to advance fraud prevention and detection across state agencies
- $10 million for updates to county IT systems
- More than $40 million to integrate DCYF benefit systems, improve system usability and automation, create a secure applicant portal and enhance income verification technologies
- Establishing a Human Services Systems Modernization Advisory Council with DCYF, DHS, MNIT and county and Tribal representatives to plan future modernization efforts
This investment advances the Walz administration’s One Minnesota Plan and its vision to make Minnesota the best state in the country for children to grow up in. Modern, secure, and coordinated systems will improve how children and families access services while strengthening fiscal accountability and supporting counties, Tribal Nations, and other partners in their work.
Speaking at the inaugural advisory commission meeting, Commissioner Tikki Brown from the Department of Children, Youth, and Families said,
“DCYF strives to view families and children as a whole, with the full picture of a child’s needs and family’s strengths, and coordinate supports across programs. Technology modernization supports the mission: Improving our technology systems, adding integration capabilities, and strengthening data governance reduces inefficiencies and gives staff more time to serve families.”