SF 2164

as introduced - 91st Legislature (2019 - 2020) Posted on 03/08/2019 08:46am

A bill for an act
relating to workforce development; codifying the pathways to prosperity grant
program; appropriating money; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota
Statutes, chapter 116L.

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

Section 1.

new text begin [116L.25] PATHWAYS TO PROSPERITY GRANT PROGRAM.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin (a) For the purposes of this section, the following terms have
the meanings given.
new text end

new text begin (b) "Career pathway" means a career-readiness program that combines basic skills
training, education, and support services and results in either industry-specific training or
an employer recognized credential.
new text end

new text begin (c) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of employment and economic development.
new text end

new text begin (d) "Pathways to prosperity grant program" or "grant program" means the competitive
grant program created in this section.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Establishment. new text end

new text begin The commissioner shall establish a pathways to prosperity
grant program to award grants to organizations to train low-skill, low-income adults, and
adults facing the greatest employment disparities, and to assist them in finding employment
in high-demand industries with long-term employment opportunities.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Grant process. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner shall award grants to applicants through
a competitive grant process. This process shall include an expedited application process for
previous grant recipients that operate career pathway programs that are aligned with current
labor market needs and that are meeting or exceeding their performance goals related to
training and placement for individuals facing multiple barriers to employment.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner shall develop grant-making criteria for the grant program in
consultation with workforce development service providers. These criteria shall include
guidelines for multiple types of career pathways. These criteria shall also consider a program's
alignment with the labor market in the community where the program operates and, where
applicable, a program's previous grant performance.
new text end

new text begin (c) All reporting requirements for grant recipients shall be outlined in plain language in
both the request for proposal and the grant contract.
new text end

new text begin (d) The commissioner shall provide applicants with technical assistance with
understanding application procedures and program guidelines.
new text end

new text begin (e) All grants shall be two years in length.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin PATHWAYS TO PROSPERITY GRANT PROGRAM; APPROPRIATION.
new text end

new text begin $....... in fiscal year 2020 and $....... in fiscal year 2021 are appropriated from the general
fund to the commissioner of employment and economic development for the pathways to
prosperity grant program under Minnesota Statutes, section 116L.25. Of these amounts, up
to ten percent is for administration and monitoring of the program.
new text end