Availability of an existing appropriation for the direct care services corps pilot project extension

This bill extends the deadline for using existing funds allocated to Minnesota's Direct Care Services Corps pilot project, allowing the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living to utilize up to $500,000 through June 30, 2027, instead of the previous 2026 date. The legislation also requires an independent evaluation of the pilot program's impact on healthcare costs, staff retention, and participant satisfaction, with results reported to legislative committees by January 15, 2028. Additionally, the bill updates funding allocations for various aging and disability services programs, including case management training, ombudsperson staffing, and Native American elder coordinator positions, while extending the availability of certain grant administration funds through 2027 and 2029.