SF 2059

as introduced - 91st Legislature (2019 - 2020) Posted on 03/11/2019 04:09pm

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

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

Section 1. new text begin APPROPRIATION.
new text end

new text begin (a) $500,000 in fiscal year 2020 and $500,000 in fiscal year 2021 are 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-ups 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 (b) 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