SF 1441

as introduced - 90th Legislature (2017 - 2018) Posted on 02/28/2017 08:52am

A bill for an act
relating to employment; requiring the creation of a plan to address barriers to
employment faced by people with mental illnesses; appropriating money for
employment support services and training programs for people with mental
illnesses.

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

Section 1. new text begin PLAN TO ADDRESS BARRIERS TO EMPLOYMENT.
new text end

new text begin The commissioner of employment and economic development must consult with the
commissioners of health and human services and stakeholders in order to identify the barriers
that people with mental illnesses face in obtaining employment and all current programs
that could assist people with mental illnesses in obtaining employment. Stakeholders shall
include people with mental illnesses and their families, mental health advocates, mental
health providers, and employers. The commissioner of employment and economic
development shall submit a detailed plan to the legislature before February 1, 2018,
identifying the barriers to employment and making recommendations on how best to improve
the employment rate among people with mental illnesses.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin APPROPRIATIONS.
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new text begin (a) $....... in fiscal year 2018 and $....... in fiscal year 2019 are appropriated from the
general fund to the commissioner of employment and economic development for grants to
programs that provide employment support services to people with mental illnesses under
Minnesota Statutes, sections 268A.13 and 268A.14. Of the money appropriated, $1,500,000
each year shall be used first to expand programs to areas of the state without an existing
employment support program, and secondly to expand existing programs.
new text end

new text begin (b) $400,000 in fiscal year 2018 is appropriated from the workforce development fund
to the commissioner of employment and economic development for a work training program
for people with mental illnesses to assist in securing employment. The training program
must support people with mental illnesses in acquiring job skills necessary to obtain
employment of their choice, which pays a wage equal to or higher than the federal minimum
wage. During the training period, which shall last for a minimum of six months and no more
than 12 months, the training program must pay participants a wage equal to or higher than
the federal minimum wage, and a mental health professional must be available for
consultation by the trainees. This is a onetime appropriation and funds are available until
June 30, 2019.
new text end