1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to unemployment compensation; providing eligibility for benefits under 
1.3 	certain training programs.
1.4 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5 	Section 1. UNEMPLOYED BENEFIT ELIGIBILITY; FEDERAL WIRED 
1.6 	PROGRAM.
 1.7 	(a) Minnesota has been awarded a grant by the United States Department of Labor 
1.8 	under the Workforce Investment in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) program 
1.9 	for training to enhance the skills of employees working at regional businesses. The grant 
1.10 	provides for payment of tuition and support services to employees. Employees work 
1.11 	reduced hours with the employer while taking the skills training. 
1.12 	(b) Unemployment benefits are payable to an employee in the WIRED program in 
1.13 	proportion to the amount of the workers' reduced hours as though the employee were 
1.14 	qualified under the shared work program under Minnesota Statutes, section 268.135. 
1.15 	The training program must be contained in a written plan signed by an officer of the 
1.16 	employer and by the commissioner of employment and economic development or the 
1.17 	commissioner's authorized designee. This section expires June 30, 2011.

1.18 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.