Minnesota Agencies

Advise the Minnesota governor and legislature on issues relating to Spanish-speaking people in Minnesota, on laws need to insure Spanish-speaking people access to benefits and services provided to others, and to improve the economic and social conditions of Spanish-speaking people. Serve as liaison between Spanish-speaking people and state, local, and federal government, and private organizations. Study problems of Spanish-speaking people in the areas such as education, employment, human rights, housing, and social welfare. Publicize the accomplishments of Spanish-speaking people. Review applications for federal money and proposed state agency rules which have their primary effect on Spanish-speaking people.

This council was created in 1978. In 1981 the enabling legislation was amended to provide that all staff shall serve in the unclassified service. Also in 1981, the legislature repealed a provision which had stated that the council would expire on June of that year.

A 30 June 1988 expiration data was added in 1983. Requirement for senate confirmation of members was dropped in 1983.

In 1996 the council's name was changed to the Minnesota Council on Affairs of Chicano-Latino People (commonly referred to as Chicano Latino Affairs Council); in 2015 the name changed again to the Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs.

Effective 3 April 1996, membership increased from 7 to 11 members. 8 members representing each of the state's congressional districts and 3 members appointed at large; appointed by the governor; terms governed by Minn. Stat. 15.075; compensation governed by Minn. Stat. 15.075.