HF 3147

as introduced - 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) Posted on 03/27/2023 01:32pm

A bill for an act
relating to economic development; requiring the commissioner of employment
and economic development to study student loan forgiveness programs; requiring
a report; appropriating money.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. new text begin DIRECTION TO COMMISSIONER OF EMPLOYMENT AND
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT; STUDENT LOAN FORGIVENESS STUDY.
new text end

new text begin The commissioner of employment and economic development must study existing
student loan forgiveness programs that support essential occupations including but not
limited to personal care assistants, home care service employees, home and community-based
services provider employees, long-term care facility employees, clinical mental health
therapists, nurses, certified nursing assistants, teachers, special education teachers, and
substitute teachers to determine if the existing student loan forgiveness programs are adequate
to meet the long-term workforce needs of the state. When conducting this study, the
commissioner must estimate the number of positions in essential occupations required in
the state in 2030 and estimate the difference between this estimated need and the projected
number of individuals who will occupy such positions. By January 15, 2024, the
commissioner must submit to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative
committees with jurisdiction over any of the studied occupations a report with the results
of the commissioner's study and recommendations related to enacting strategic growth in
student loan forgiveness programs, whether new or existing, to increase the likelihood that
the state will have adequate numbers of qualified individuals to fill the essential occupations
and to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in essential occupations.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin APPROPRIATION; STUDENT LOAN FORGIVENESS STUDY.
new text end

new text begin $....... in fiscal year 2024 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner of
employment and economic development for the student loan forgiveness study. This is a
onetime appropriation.
new text end