SF 2461

Introduction - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026)

Posted on 07/02/2025 10:00 a.m.

A bill for an act
relating to workforce development; appropriating money for a grant to Southeast
Minnesota Workforce Development Area; requiring a report.

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

Section 1. new text begin APPROPRIATIONS.
new text end

new text begin (a) $275,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $275,000 in fiscal year 2027 are appropriated from
the workforce development fund to the commissioner of employment and economic
development for a grant to Workforce Development, Inc., of the Southeast Minnesota
Workforce Development Area #8, to provide career planning, career pathway training and
education, wraparound support services, and job skills advancement in high-demand careers
to individuals with barriers to employment in Steele County, helping families build secure
pathways out of poverty and addressing worker shortages in the Owatonna and Steele County
area. Grant proceeds must support employer outreach services by providing solutions to
workforce challenges and direct connections to workforce programming. Grant proceeds
may be used for program expenses, including but not limited to hiring instructors and
navigators; space rental; and supportive services to help participants attend classes, including
assistance with course fees, child care, incentive and training completion payments,
transportation, and safe and stable housing. Up to five percent of grant money may be used
for Workforce Development, Inc.'s administrative costs. This is a onetime appropriation
and is available until June 30, 2027. Any unencumbered balance remaining at the end of
the first year does not cancel but is available for the second year.
new text end

new text begin (b) By January 15 each year, the commissioner of employment and economic
development must report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative
committees with jurisdiction over economic development and workforce development
regarding the uses of the grant in paragraph (a), including any amounts used for
administration of the grant. The report must also be filed with the Legislative Reference
Library in compliance with Minnesota Statutes, section 3.195. As a condition of receiving
the grant, Workforce Development, Inc., of the Southeast Minnesota Workforce Development
Area #8, must agree to provide the commissioner any information needed to complete the
report.
new text end