SF 1616

as introduced - 85th Legislature (2007 - 2008) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am

A bill for an act
relating to workforce development; allowing grants-in-aid to workforce
development intermediaries; amending Minnesota Statutes 2006, sections
116L.01, by adding a subdivision; 116L.04, subdivision 1a.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 116L.01, is amended by adding a
subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Workforce development intermediaries. new text end

new text begin "Workforce development
intermediaries" means public, private, or nonprofit entities that provide employment
services to low-income individuals and have a demonstrated track record bringing together
employers and workers, private and public funding streams, and other stakeholders to
implement pathways to career advancement for low-income individuals. Entities may
include, but are not limited to, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, or the
administrative entity of a local workforce service area.
new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 116L.04, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:

Subd. 1a.

Pathways program.

The pathways program may provide grants-in-aid
for developing programs which assist in the transition of persons from welfare to work and
assist individuals at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. The program
is to be operated by the board. The board shall consult and coordinate with program
administrators at the Department of Employment and Economic Development to design
and provide services for temporary assistance for needy families recipients.

Pathways grants-in-aid may be awarded to educational or other nonprofit training
institutions new text begin or to workforce development intermediaries new text end for education and training
programs and services supporting education and training programs that serve eligible
recipients.

Preference shall be given to projects that:

(1) provide employment with benefits paid to employees;

(2) provide employment where there are defined career paths for trainees;

(3) pilot the development of an educational pathway that can be used on a continuing
basis for transitioning persons from welfare to work; and

(4) demonstrate the active participation of Department of Employment and
Economic Development workforce centers, Minnesota State College and University
institutions and other educational institutions, and local welfare agencies.

Pathways projects must demonstrate the active involvement and financial
commitment of private business. Pathways projects must be matched with cash or in-kind
contributions on at least a deleted text begin one-to-one deleted text end new text begin one-half-to-one new text end ratio by participating private
business.

A single grant to any one institution shall not exceed $400,000. A portion of a grant
may be used for preemployment training.