1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to workforce development; appropriating money for a pilot program for 
1.3 	a local collaborative to increase competitive employment for transition age youth.
1.4 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5 	Section 1. APPROPRIATION; COMPETITIVE EMPLOYMENT FOR TRANSITION 
1.6 	AGE YOUTH PILOT PROGRAM.
 1.7 	(a) $150,000 in fiscal year 2018 is appropriated from the workforce development fund 
1.8 	to the commissioner of employment and economic development for a grant to Anoka County 
1.9 	to develop and implement a pilot program to increase competitive employment opportunities 
1.10 	for transition age youth ages 18 to 21. This is a onetime appropriation.
1.11 	(b) The competitive employment for transition age youth pilot program shall include 
1.12 	career guidance components, including health and life skills, to encourage, train, and assist 
1.13 	transition age youth in job-seeking skills, workplace orientation, and job site knowledge.
1.14 	(c) In operating the pilot program, Anoka County shall collaborate with schools, disability 
1.15 	providers, jobs and training organizations, vocational rehabilitation providers, and employers 
1.16 	to build upon opportunities and services, to prepare transition age youth for competitive 
1.17 	employment, and to enhance employer connections that lead to employment for the 
1.18 	individuals served.
1.19 	(d) Grant funds may be used to create an on-the-job training incentive to encourage 
1.20 	employers to hire and train qualifying individuals. A participating employer may receive 
1.21 	up to 50 percent of the wages paid to the employee as a cost reimbursement for on-the-job 
1.22 	training provided.