 Many families affected by child support in Central Minnesota were able to voice their opinions. Today in Brainerd, members of the Child Task Force gathered for a meeting. Sir Winkelman has more. In 2016, the Minnesota Legislature formed a Child Support Task Force. Today, the group came to Brainerd for the first time to hear from local residents about their child support issues and needs. Task Force is working on the guidelines and reviewing the actual guidelines and how child support is set. So that's what they want to hear from, you know, how does the amount of child support that's set affect both sides, you know, both sides of the families and where the children are living. During the public comment session of the Task Force, there were parents there who pay child support and parents who received child support to voice their opinions of their personal situations. I feel like it's a struggle at times to get the child support that my kids deserve. Jenna is a mother of three who is looking for answers on how to better keep track of what child support is paid based on income. My personal experience, that's my struggle is being able to get them when they're working for cash and there's no basis or proof of what they're making. Jenna was not alone in sharing her story and was grateful that the Task Force took the time to come to Brainerd. We feel like they're actually trying to do something for me and my kids and trying to get, you know, the help that I need. After the five minutes each person was given to speak, the Task Force members could ask questions about what they just heard. It's difficult. It's hard to make families happy and it's hard to listen to the struggles that they have on both sides of this. The Task Force will use the input from the discussion today in order to submit a report to the legislature in February of 2018. I feel assured that my worker is actually trying and I'm hoping something positive comes out of all of us. Jenna and others are remaining optimistic about the future of child support in Minnesota. Reporting in Brainerd, Sarah Winkleman, Lakeland News. Along with the stop in Brainerd, the Task Force will hear also from the community in Minneapolis, Mankato and Coon Rapids. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.