HF 4071

as introduced - 90th Legislature (2017 - 2018) Posted on 03/28/2018 01:49pm

A bill for an act
relating to child care business development; providing grants to promote child
care business start-up and expansion; appropriating money; requiring reports.

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

Section 1. new text begin APPROPRIATION.
new text end

new text begin $1,000,000 in fiscal year 2019 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner
of employment and economic development for grants to local communities to increase the
supply of quality child care providers in order to support economic development. At least
60 percent of grant funds must go to communities located outside of the seven-county
metropolitan area, as defined under Minnesota Statutes, section 473.121, subdivision 2.
Grant recipients must obtain a 50 percent nonstate match to grant funds in either cash or
in-kind contributions. Grant funds available under this section must be used to implement
solutions to reduce the child care shortage in the state, including but not limited to funding
for child care business start-up or expansion, training, facility modifications or improvements
required for licensing, and assistance with licensing and other regulatory requirements. In
awarding grants, the commissioner must give priority to communities that have documented
a shortage of child care providers in the area.
new text end

new text begin Within one year of receiving grant funds, grant recipients must report to the commissioner
on the outcomes of the grant program, including but not limited to the number of new
providers, the number of additional child care provider jobs created, the number of additional
child care slots, and the amount of local funds invested.
new text end

new text begin By January 1 of each year starting in 2020, the commissioner must report to the standing
committees of the legislature with jurisdiction over child care and economic development
on the outcomes of the program to date.
new text end