Refugee resettlement costs are up but still a small part of welfare programs

Minnesota chips in generously to help refugees adjust to life in the United States, but these costs make up a small fraction of the overall tab for public assistance programs.

Data the state compiled for the Star Tribune show that Minnesota spent more than $180 million in state and federal dollars on cash, food and medical assistance for refugees in 2015, the most recent period available. That’s up 15 percent from five years ago but still less than 2 percent of total expenses for these programs. For state-subsidized child care, however, refugee communities have come to account for more than a quarter of costs.

http://www.startribune.com/refugee-resettlement-costs-are-up-but-still-a-small-part-of-welfare-programs/415829614/