Opinion | Federal instability is undermining this program for job seekers with disabilities

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Minnesota’s job market is demanding workers and yet a crucial program that consistently supplies qualified employees to our state’s businesses is under attack from Washington, D.C. The federal government’s instability, driven by reductions in force and the record-breaking government shutdown, is actively undermining the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program — a successful, century-old partnership that delivers a massive economic return to our state.

This isn’t about partisan politics; it’s about fiscally responsible governance. The VR program, established after World War I to help soldiers re-enter the workforce, connects job seekers with disabilities to training, resources and career placement. Simply put, it is a fiscal asset, not a social service. For every single dollar in state funds invested in this partnership, the program leverages $3.69 in federal matching funds, creating a total economic value of $4.69 through wages, tax revenue and increased business productivity.

When federal infrastructure breaks down, we all pay the price. The Department of Education’s Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) is the federal engine for this program. When the RSA faces staffing reductions or, worse, stops functioning during a government shutdown, it cannot manage or release the necessary federal funds. As a direct consequence, the state of Minnesota loses millions in potential investment. This mismanagement doesn’t save the government money; it effectively starves a successful program, resulting in lost productivity, reduced tax revenue and a weakened workforce.

The consequences are felt immediately by thousands of Minnesotans. Our nation is grappling with millions of job openings and businesses across the state are struggling to fill positions. The VR program is essential in closing that labor gap by ensuring that job seekers with disabilities — who are ready, willing and able to work — have the support they need to achieve sustainable employment. Any disruption to these services limits their ability to become economically independent and contribute their skills to our communities.

This issue must be addressed with the urgency of a policy and governance failure. Our federal delegation, regardless of party, has a responsibility to end the dysfunction that is jeopardizing essential economic infrastructure. We must insist they find compromise and end the current instability to sustain a program that provides measurable, positive results for individuals, families and Minnesota’s entire economy.