Minnesota Public Radio funding provided, and money appropriated.

HF 1019 appropriates $2.35 million from the arts and cultural heritage fund for each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to Minnesota Public Radio, Inc. (MPR). The funding requires MPR to create original programming and digital content, partner with artists and cultural groups statewide, increase representation of communities of color and Indigenous communities in its broadcasts, and preserve Minnesota's historical audio archives. This bill directly affects MPR's operations and programming, with the goal of expanding arts access and cultural storytelling across Minnesota. The appropriation is a direct funding mechanism for MPR's existing services, not a new program.