SF 2231

as introduced - 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) Posted on 03/02/2023 08:38am

A bill for an act
relating to workforce development; appropriating money for job training, income
support, and business development programs focused on Black-owned businesses.

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

Section 1. new text begin APPROPRIATION; JOB TRAINING AND INCOME SUPPORT.
new text end

new text begin $25,000,000 in fiscal year 2024 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner
of employment and economic development for the following purposes:
new text end

new text begin (1) $5,000,000 is to develop a comprehensive job training program focusing on the top
ten zip code areas with highest unemployment statistics;
new text end

new text begin (2) $5,000,000 is to provide employment training to individuals formerly incarcerated
or in foster care;
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new text begin (3) $10,000,000 is for efforts that protect low wage workers and ensure that all families
can meet their basic needs by funding navigator positions at community partners in
communities with the greatest need; and
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new text begin (4) $5,000,000 is for efforts that ensure that people having trouble meeting basic needs
can access income support that provides them and their families with the housing, health
care, cash assistance, job training, and essential nutrition.
new text end

new text begin The commissioner of employment and economic development may contract with local
agencies with experience working with under-represented communities to carry out the
purposes of this section. This appropriation does not lapse and is available either year of
the biennium.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin APPROPRIATION; BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES.
new text end

new text begin $30,000,000 in fiscal year 2024 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner
of employment and economic development for the following purposes:
new text end

new text begin (1) $10,000,000 is for at-home business training and business startup support serving
the Black community;
new text end

new text begin (2) $5,000,000 is for a loan guarantee program and an increase in allowable loan
guarantees for the economic development of Black owned and led businesses. Efforts must
also address discriminatory practices in hiring, banking, and finance;
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new text begin (3) $5,000,000 is to bridge the wealth and economic gaps by increasing employability
of those facing chronic unemployment and diminished economic mobility; and
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new text begin (4) $10,000,000 is for efforts that encourage entrepreneurship with greater access to
capital and assets and support for growth of existing businesses run and led by American
Descendants of Slavery community members.
new text end

new text begin The commissioner of employment and economic development may contract with local
agencies with experience working with the Black community to carry out the purposes of
this section. This appropriation does not lapse and is available either year of the biennium.
new text end