Skip to main content Skip to office menu Skip to footer
Capital IconMinnesota Legislature

Office of the Revisor of Statutes

CHAPTER 116L. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Table of Sections
Section Headnote
116L.001 [Renumbered 15.001]
JOB SKILLS PARTNERSHIP
116L.01 DEFINITIONS.
116L.02 JOB SKILLS PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM.
116L.03 BOARD.
116L.04 PARTNERSHIP POWER.
116L.05 FUNDING.
116L.06 HIRE EDUCATION LOAN PROGRAM.
116L.10 HEALTH CARE AND HUMAN SERVICES WORKER PROGRAM.
116L.11 DEFINITIONS.
116L.12 FUNDING MECHANISM.
116L.13 PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS.
116L.14 CAREER ENHANCEMENT REQUIREMENTS.
116L.146 EXPEDITED GRANT PROCESS.
116L.15 SMALL EMPLOYER PROTECTION.
116L.16 [Repealed, 2009 c 78 art 2 s 44]
116L.17 STATE DISLOCATED WORKER PROGRAM.
116L.18 SPECIAL INCUMBENT WORKER TRAINING GRANTS.
GENERALLY
116L.19 DEFINITIONS.
116L.191 WORKFORCE CENTER; CREDENTIAL ASSISTANCE.
116L.20 WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT FUND.
116L.30 [Renumbered 299A.73]
PLANNING FOR YOUTH EMPLOYMENT
116L.361 DEFINITIONS.
116L.362 GRANTS.
116L.3625 ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS.
116L.363 ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
116L.364 PROGRAM PURPOSE AND DESIGN.
116L.365 HOUSING FOR HOMELESS.
116L.366 REQUIREMENTS OF ORGANIZATIONS RECEIVING GRANTS.
MINNESOTA YOUTH PROGRAM
116L.56 DEFINITIONS.
116L.561 MINNESOTA YOUTH PROGRAM.
JOB TRAINING
116L.60 PURPOSE.
116L.61 DEFINITIONS.
116L.62 DISTRIBUTION AND USE OF STATE MONEY.
116L.63 CRITERIA FOR DISTRIBUTION OF MONEY.
116L.64 MONEY DISTRIBUTION.
116L.66 FIRST SOURCE AGREEMENTS.
116L.665 WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL.
116L.666 WORKFORCE SERVICE AREAS.
116L.86 EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING PROGRAMS.
116L.871 LOCAL DELIVERY.
116L.872 STATE FUNDING OF EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING PROGRAMS.
116L.88 [Repealed, 2009 c 78 art 2 s 44]
116L.881 INDIAN TRIBE PLANS.
116L.96 DISPLACED HOMEMAKER PROGRAMS.
116L.976 EARLY WARNING SYSTEM.
116L.98 WORKFORCE PROGRAM OUTCOMES.
116L.001 [Renumbered 15.001]

JOB SKILLS PARTNERSHIP

116L.01 DEFINITIONS.

Subdivision 1.Scope.

For the purposes of sections 116L.01 to 116L.17, the terms defined in this section have the meanings given them.

Subd. 2.Partnership.

"Partnership" means the Minnesota Job Skills Partnership created by section 116L.02.

Subd. 3.Board.

"Board" means the partnership board created by section 116L.03.

Subd. 4.Workforce development intermediaries.

"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.

116L.02 JOB SKILLS PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM.

(a) The Minnesota Job Skills Partnership program is created to act as a catalyst to bring together employers with specific training needs with educational or other nonprofit institutions which can design programs to fill those needs. The partnership shall work closely with employers to prepare, train and place prospective or incumbent workers in identifiable positions as well as assisting educational or other nonprofit institutions in developing training programs that coincide with current and future employer requirements. The partnership shall provide grants to educational or other nonprofit institutions for the purpose of training workers. A participating business must match the grant-in-aid made by the Minnesota Job Skills Partnership. The match may be in the form of funding, equipment, or faculty.

(b) The partnership program shall administer the health care and human services worker training and retention program under sections 116L.10 to 116L.15.

(c) The partnership program is authorized to use funds to pay for training for individuals who have incomes at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty line. The board may grant funds to eligible recipients to pay for board-certified training. Eligible recipients of grants may include public, private, or nonprofit entities that provide employment services to low-income individuals.

116L.03 BOARD.

Subdivision 1.Members.

The partnership shall be governed by a board of 12 directors.

Subd. 2.Appointment.

The Minnesota Job Skills Partnership Board consists of: seven members appointed by the governor, the commissioner of employment and economic development, the chancellor, or the chancellor's designee, of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, the president, or the president's designee, of the University of Minnesota, and two nonlegislator members, one appointed by the Subcommittee on Committees of the senate Committee on Rules and Administration and one appointed by the speaker of the house. If the chancellor or the president of the university makes a designation under this subdivision, the designee must have experience in technical education. Four of the appointed members must be members of the governor's Workforce Development Council, of whom two must represent organized labor and two must represent business and industry. One of the appointed members must be a representative of a nonprofit organization that provides workforce development or job training services.

Subd. 3.Qualifications.

Members must have expertise in, and be representative of the following fields of education, job skills training, labor, business, and government.

Subd. 4.Chair.

The chair shall be appointed by the governor.

Subd. 5.Terms.

The terms of appointed members shall be for four years. No member shall serve more than two terms, and no person shall be appointed after December 31, 2001, for any term that would cause that person to serve a total of more than eight years on the board. Compensation for board members is as provided in section 15.0575, subdivision 3.

Subd. 6.

[Repealed, 1987 c 386 art 10 s 7; 1987 c 401 s 39]

Subd. 7.Offices.

The Department of Employment and Economic Development shall provide office space and staff to the Job Skills Partnership Board for the execution of its duties. The board shall hire an executive director to assist in carrying out its duties.

Subd. 8.Board meetings.

(a) If compliance with section 13D.02 is impractical, the Minnesota Job Skills Partnership Board may conduct a meeting of its members by telephone or other electronic means so long as the following conditions are met:

(1) all members of the board participating in the meeting, wherever their physical location, can hear one another and can hear all discussion and testimony;

(2) members of the public present at the regular meeting location of the board can hear clearly all discussion and testimony and all votes of members of the board and, if needed, receive those services required by sections 15.44 and 15.441;

(3) at least one member of the board is physically present at the regular meeting location; and

(4) all votes are conducted by roll call, so each member's vote on each issue can be identified and recorded.

(b) Each member of the board participating in a meeting by telephone or other electronic means is considered present at the meeting for purposes of determining a quorum and participating in all proceedings.

(c) If telephone or other electronic means is used to conduct a meeting, the board, to the extent practical, shall allow a person to monitor the meeting electronically from a remote location. The board may require the person making such a connection to pay for documented marginal costs that the board incurs as a result of the additional connection.

(d) If telephone or other electronic means is used to conduct a regular, special, or emergency meeting, the board shall provide notice of the regular meeting location, of the fact that some members may participate by telephone or other electronic means, and of the provisions of paragraph (c). The timing and method of providing notice is governed by section 13D.04.

116L.04 PARTNERSHIP POWER.

Subdivision 1.Partnership program.

(a) The partnership program may provide grants-in-aid to educational or other nonprofit educational institutions using the following guidelines:

(1) the educational or other nonprofit educational institution is a provider of training within the state in either the public or private sector;

(2) the program involves skills training that is an area of employment need; and

(3) preference will be given to educational or other nonprofit training institutions which serve economically disadvantaged people, minorities, or those who are victims of economic dislocation and to businesses located in rural areas.

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

(c) Each institution must provide for the dissemination of summary results of a grant-funded project, including, but not limited to, information about curriculum and all supporting materials developed in conjunction with the grant. Results of projects developed by any Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system institution must be disseminated throughout the system.

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 or to workforce development intermediaries 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 one-half-to-one 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.

Subd. 2.Information.

The board may collect and disseminate information concerning areas of projected employment need. The board may also prepare and publish studies, organize conferences, and conduct special projects which will increase knowledge and communication in the areas of employment need, skills training, and education.

Subd. 3.

[Repealed, 1987 c 403 art 2 s 164]

Subd. 4.

[Repealed, 2004 c 257 s 12]

116L.05 FUNDING.

Subdivision 1.Federal job training funds.

The board may use federal job training program moneys and is authorized to receive those funds.

Subd. 2.Grants, gifts.

The board may accept gifts and grants of any type from any source.

Subd. 3.Use of funds.

The Job Skills Partnership Board may use up to six percent of any funds it receives, regardless of the source, for activities authorized under section 116L.04, subdivision 2. The board may also use a portion of these funds to collect and disseminate information on the activities under section 116L.04, subdivision 2. The board must plan for the statewide dissemination of the results, curriculum, and supporting materials of these grant-funded projects.

Subd. 4.

[Repealed, 1Sp2005 c 1 art 4 s 124]

Subd. 5.Use of workforce development funds.

After March 1 of any fiscal year, the board may use workforce development funds for the purposes outlined in sections 116L.02, 116L.04, and 116L.10 to 116L.14, or to provide incumbent worker training services under section 116L.18 if the following conditions have been met:

(1) the board examines relevant economic indicators, including the projected number of layoffs for the remainder of the fiscal year and the next fiscal year, evidence of declining and expanding industries, the number of initial applications for and the number of exhaustions of unemployment benefits, job vacancy data, and any additional relevant information brought to the board's attention;

(2) the board accounts for all allocations made in section 116L.17, subdivision 2;

(3) based on the past expenditures and projected revenue, the board estimates future funding needs for services under section 116L.17 for the remainder of the current fiscal year and the next fiscal year;

(4) the board determines there will be unspent funds after meeting the needs of dislocated workers in the current fiscal year and there will be sufficient revenue to meet the needs of dislocated workers in the next fiscal year; and

(5) the board reports its findings in clauses (1) to (4) to the chairs of legislative committees with jurisdiction over the workforce development fund, to the commissioners of revenue and management and budget, and to the public.

116L.06 HIRE EDUCATION LOAN PROGRAM.

Subdivision 1.Fund uses.

The Job Skills Partnership Board may make loans to Minnesota employers to train persons for jobs in Minnesota. The loans must be used to train current and prospective employees of an employer for specific jobs with the employer.

Subd. 2.Loan process.

The board shall establish a schedule and competitive process for accepting loan applications. The board shall evaluate loan applications.

Subd. 3.Loan priority.

The board shall give priority to loans that provide training for jobs that are permanent, provide health coverage and other fringe benefits, and have a career or job path with prospects for wage increases.

Subd. 4.Loan terms.

Loans may be secured or unsecured, shall be for a term of no more than five years, and shall bear no interest. The maximum amount of a loan is $250,000. A loan origination fee of up to two percent of the principal of the loan may be charged. An employer may have only one outstanding loan. The loans shall contain such other standard commercial loan terms as the board deems appropriate.

Subd. 5.Loan uses.

Loans must be used by an employer to obtain the most effective training available from public or private training institutions. An employer must document to the board the process the employer has utilized to ensure that the proposed loan is used to acquire the most cost-effective training and provide a training plan.

Subd. 6.Packaging loans.

The board may package a grant it makes under section 116L.04 with a loan under this section.

Subd. 7.Loan repayments.

Loan repayments and loan origination fees shall be retained by the board for board programs.

116L.10 HEALTH CARE AND HUMAN SERVICES WORKER PROGRAM.

A health care and human services worker training and retention program is established to:

(1) alleviate critical worker shortages confronting specific geographical areas of the state, specific health care and human services industries, or specific providers when employers are not currently offering sufficient worker training and retention options and are unable to do so because of the limited size of the employer, economic circumstances, or other limiting factors described in the grant application and verified by the board; and

(2) increase opportunities for current and potential direct care employees to qualify for advanced employment in the health care or human services fields through experience, training, and education.

116L.11 DEFINITIONS.

Subdivision 1.Scope.

For the purposes of sections 116L.10 to 116L.15, the terms defined in this section have the meanings given them unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Subd. 2.Eligible employer.

"Eligible employer" means a nursing facility, small rural hospital, intermediate care facility for persons with developmental disability, waivered services provider, home health services provider, personal care assistance services provider, semi-independent living services provider, day training and habilitation services provider, or similar provider of health care or human services.

Subd. 3.Potential employee target groups.

"Potential employee target groups" means high school students, past and present recipients of Minnesota family investment program benefits, immigrants, senior citizens, current health care and human services workers, and persons who are underemployed or unemployed.

Subd. 4.Qualifying consortium.

"Qualifying consortium" means an entity that includes a public or private institution of higher education and one eligible employer.

116L.12 FUNDING MECHANISM.

Subdivision 1.Applications.

A qualifying consortium shall apply to the board in the manner specified by the board.

Subd. 2.

[Repealed, 1Sp2001 c 9 art 6 s 8]

Subd. 3.Program targets.

Applications for grants must describe targeted employers or types of employers and must describe the specific critical work force shortage the program is designed to alleviate. Programs may be limited geographically or be statewide. The application must include verification that in the process of determining that a critical work force shortage exists in the target area, the applicant has:

(1) consulted available data on worker shortages;

(2) conferred with other employers in the target area; and

(3) compared shortages in the target area with shortages at the regional or statewide level.

Subd. 4.Grants.

Within the limits of available appropriations, the board shall make grants not to exceed $400,000 each to qualifying consortia to operate local, regional, or statewide training and retention programs. Grants may be made from TANF funds, general fund appropriations, and any other funding sources available to the board, provided the requirements of those funding sources are satisfied. A portion of a grant may be used for preemployment training. Grant awards must establish specific, measurable outcomes and timelines for achieving those outcomes.

Subd. 5.Local match requirements.

A consortium must satisfy the match requirements established in section 116L.02, paragraph (a).

Subd. 6.Ineligible worker categories.

Grants shall not be made to alleviate shortages of physicians, physician assistants, or advanced practice nurses.

Subd. 7.

[Repealed, 1Sp2001 c 9 art 6 s 8]

116L.13 PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS.

Subdivision 1.Marketing and recruitment.

A qualifying consortium must implement a marketing and outreach strategy to recruit into the health care and human services fields persons from one or more of the potential employee target groups. Recruitment strategies must include:

(1) a screening process to evaluate whether potential employees may be disqualified as the result of a required background check or are otherwise unlikely to succeed in the position for which they are being recruited; and

(2) a process for modifying course work to meet the training needs of non-English-speaking persons, when appropriate.

Subd. 2.Recruitment and retention incentives.

Employer members of a consortium must provide incentives to train and retain employees. These incentives may include, but are not limited to:

(1) paid salary during initial training periods, but only if specifically approved by the board, which must certify that the employer has not formerly paid employees during the initial training period and is unable to do so because of the employer's limited size, financial condition, or other factors;

(2) scholarship programs under which a specified amount is deposited into an educational account for the employee for each hour worked, which may include contributions on behalf of an employee to a Minnesota college savings plan account under chapter 136G;

(3) the provision of advanced education to employees so that they may qualify for advanced positions in the health care or human services fields. This education may be provided at the employer's site, at the site of a nearby employer, or at a local educational institution or other site. Preference shall be given to grantees that offer flexible advanced training to employees at convenient sites, allow workers time off with pay during the workday to participate, and provide education at no cost to students or through employer-based scholarships that pay expenses prior to the start of classes rather than upon completion;

(4) work maturity or soft skills training, adult basic education, English as a second language instruction, and basic computer orientation for persons with limited previous attachment to the work force due to a lack of these skills;

(5) child care subsidies during training or educational activities;

(6) transportation to training and education programs; and

(7) programs to coordinate efforts by employer members of the consortium to share staff among employers where feasible, to pool employee and employer benefit contributions in order to enhance benefit packages, and to coordinate education and training opportunities for staff in order to increase the availability and flexibility of education and training programs.

Subd. 3.Work hour limits.

High school students participating in a training and retention program shall not be permitted to work more than 20 hours per week when school is in session.

Subd. 4.Collective bargaining agreements.

This section shall be implemented consistent with existing collective bargaining agreements covering health care and human services employees.

116L.14 CAREER ENHANCEMENT REQUIREMENTS.

All consortium members must work cooperatively to establish and maintain a career ladder program under which direct care staff have the opportunity to advance along a career development path that includes regular educational opportunities, coordination between job duties and educational opportunities, and a planned series of promotions for which qualified employees will be eligible. This section shall be implemented consistent with existing collective bargaining agreements covering direct care staff.

116L.146 EXPEDITED GRANT PROCESS.

(a) The board may authorize grants not to exceed $50,000 each through an expedited grant approval process to:

(1) eligible employers to provide training programs for up to 50 workers; or

(2) a public or private institution of higher education to:

(i) do predevelopment or curriculum development for training programs prior to submission for program funding under section 116L.12;

(ii) convert an existing curriculum for distance learning through interactive television or other communication methods; or

(iii) enable a training program to be offered when it would otherwise be canceled due to an enrollment shortfall of one or two students when the program is offered in a health-related field with a documented worker shortage and is part of a training program not exceeding two years in length.

(b) The board shall develop application procedures and evaluation policies for grants made under this section.

116L.15 SMALL EMPLOYER PROTECTION.

Grantees must guarantee that small employers, including licensed personal care assistance organizations, be allowed to participate in consortium programs. The financial contribution required from a small employer must be adjusted to reflect the employer's financial circumstances.

116L.16 [Repealed, 2009 c 78 art 2 s 44]

116L.17 STATE DISLOCATED WORKER PROGRAM.

Subdivision 1.Definitions.

(a) For the purposes of this section, the following terms have the meanings given them in this subdivision.

(b) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of employment and economic development.

(c) "Dislocated worker" means an individual who is a resident of Minnesota at the time employment ceased or was working in the state at the time employment ceased and:

(1) has been permanently separated or has received a notice of permanent separation from public or private sector employment and is eligible for or has exhausted entitlement to unemployment benefits, and is unlikely to return to the previous industry or occupation;

(2) has been long-term unemployed and has limited opportunities for employment or reemployment in the same or a similar occupation in the area in which the individual resides, including older individuals who may have substantial barriers to employment by reason of age;

(3) has been terminated or has received a notice of termination of employment as a result of a plant closing or a substantial layoff at a plant, facility, or enterprise;

(4) has been self-employed, including farmers and ranchers, and is unemployed as a result of general economic conditions in the community in which the individual resides or because of natural disasters;

(5) MS 2011 Supp [Expired, 2011 c 84 art 3 s 1]

(6) is a veteran as defined by section 197.447, has been discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions within the last 36 months, and (i) is unemployed or (ii) is employed in a job verified to be below the skill level and earning capacity of the veteran;

(7) is an individual determined by the United States Department of Labor to be covered by trade adjustment assistance under United States Code, title 19, sections 2271 to 2331, as amended; or

(8) is a displaced homemaker. A "displaced homemaker" is an individual who has spent a substantial number of years in the home providing homemaking service and (i) has been dependent upon the financial support of another; and now due to divorce, separation, death, or disability of that person, must find employment to self support; or (ii) derived the substantial share of support from public assistance on account of dependents in the home and no longer receives such support.

To be eligible under this clause, the support must have ceased while the worker resided in Minnesota.

(d) "Eligible organization" means a state or local government unit, nonprofit organization, community action agency, business organization or association, or labor organization.

(e) "Plant closing" means the announced or actual permanent shutdown of a single site of employment, or one or more facilities or operating units within a single site of employment.

(f) "Substantial layoff" means a permanent reduction in the workforce, which is not a result of a plant closing, and which results in an employment loss at a single site of employment during any 30-day period for at least 50 employees excluding those employees that work less than 20 hours per week.

Subd. 2.Grants.

The board shall make grants to workforce service areas or other eligible organizations to provide services to dislocated workers as follows:

(a) The board shall allocate funds available for the purposes of this section in its discretion to respond to substantial layoffs and plant closings.

(b) The board shall regularly allocate funds to provide services to individual dislocated workers or small groups. The initial allocation for this purpose must be 50 percent of the deposits and transfers into the workforce development fund, less any collection costs paid out of the fund and any amounts appropriated by the legislature from the workforce development fund for programs other than the state dislocated worker program.

(c) Following the initial allocation, the board may consider additional allocations to provide services to individual dislocated workers. The board's decision to allocate additional funds shall be based on relevant economic indicators including: the number of substantial layoffs to date, notices of substantial layoffs for the remainder of the fiscal year, evidence of declining industries, the number of permanently separated individuals applying for unemployment benefits by workforce service area, and the number of individuals exhausting unemployment benefits by workforce service area. The board must also consider expenditures of allocations to workforce service areas under paragraph (b) made during the first two quarters of the fiscal year and federal resources that have been or are likely to be allocated to Minnesota for the purposes of serving dislocated workers affected by substantial layoffs or plant closings; except that this sentence does not apply in fiscal year 2011.

(d) The board may, in its discretion, allocate funds carried forward from previous years under subdivision 9 for large, small, or individual layoffs.

Subd. 3.Allocation of funds.

The board, in consultation with local workforce investment boards and local elected officials, shall develop a method of distributing funds to provide services for dislocated workers who are dislocated as a result of small or individual layoffs. The method shall reflect recent trends in the number of permanently separated individuals applying for unemployment benefits in a given workforce service area. The board shall evaluate and adjust obligations quarterly, based on a similar method.

Subd. 4.Use of funds.

Funds granted by the board under this section may be used for any combination of the following, except as otherwise provided in this section:

(1) employment transition services such as developing readjustment plans for individuals; outreach and intake; early readjustment; job or career counseling; testing; orientation; assessment of skills and aptitudes; provision of occupational and labor market information; job placement assistance; job search; job development; prelayoff assistance; relocation assistance; programs provided in cooperation with employers or labor organizations to provide early intervention in the event of plant closings or substantial layoffs; and entrepreneurial training and business consulting;

(2) support services, including assistance to help the participant relocate to employ existing skills; out-of-area job search assistance; family care assistance, including child care; commuting assistance; emergency housing and rental assistance; counseling assistance, including personal and financial; health care; emergency health assistance; emergency financial assistance; work-related tools and clothing; and other appropriate support services that enable a person to participate in an employment and training program with the goal of reemployment;

(3) specific, short-term training to help the participant enhance current skills in a similar occupation or industry; entrepreneurial training, customized training, or on-the-job training; basic and remedial education to enhance current skills; and literacy and work-related English training for non-English speakers; and

(4) long-term training in a new occupation or industry, including occupational skills training or customized training in an accredited program recognized by one or more relevant industries. Long-term training shall only be provided to dislocated workers whose skills are obsolete and who have no other transferable skills likely to result in employment at a comparable wage rate. Training shall only be provided for occupations or industries with reasonable expectations of job availability based on the service provider's thorough assessment of local labor market information where the individual currently resides or is willing to relocate. This clause shall not restrict training in personal services or other such industries.

Subd. 5.Cost limitations.

(a) Funds allocated to a grantee are subject to the following cost limitations:

(1) no more than ten percent may be allocated for administration;

(2) at least 50 percent must be allocated for training assistance as provided in subdivision 4, clause (4); and

(3) no more than 15 percent may be allocated for support services as provided in subdivision 4, clause (2).

(b) A waiver of the training assistance minimum in clause (4) may be sought, but no waiver shall allow less than 30 percent of the grant to be spent on training assistance. A waiver of the support services maximum in clause (2) may be sought, but no waiver shall allow more than 20 percent of the grant to be spent on support services. A waiver may be granted below the minimum and above the maximum otherwise allowed by this paragraph if funds other than state funds appropriated for the dislocated worker program are used to fund training assistance.

Subd. 6.Performance standards.

(a) The commissioner, in consultation with the board, shall enter into contracts with local workforce investment boards, including the allocations determined by the board in subdivision 3. Contracts shall also require local workforce investment boards to report participant data to the commissioner regularly, in order to meet the requirements of this subdivision. The commissioner shall also enter into contracts with eligible organizations involved with substantial layoffs or plant closings. These contracts shall require the eligible organizations to report participant data to the commissioner regularly, in order to meet the requirements of this subdivision.

(b) The commissioner and the board shall jointly establish performance outcome measures for all local workforce investment boards and eligible organizations involved with substantial layoffs or plant closings. The commissioner may request additional information to calculate these performance measures.

(c) The commissioner and the board, in consultation with local workforce investment boards and eligible organizations involved with substantial layoffs or plant closings, shall establish minimum standards for the performance measures described in paragraph (b).

(d) Local workforce investment boards may establish and report on additional performance outcomes based on unique features of local labor markets and other geographic differences.

(e) The commissioner shall provide a report to the legislature by March 1 of each year on the previous fiscal year's program performance using the data in paragraphs (b) and (d) and analysis of whether local workforce investment boards and eligible organizations involved with substantial layoffs or plant closings are meeting the minimum standards described in paragraph (c). The commissioner shall inform any local workforce investment board or eligible organization that does not meet minimum performance standards in a given year of their status.

Subd. 7.

[Repealed, 2004 c 257 s 12]

Subd. 8.Administrative costs.

No more than five percent of the funds appropriated to the board for the purposes of this section may be spent by the board for its administrative costs.

Subd. 9.Carryforward.

Any funds not allocated, obligated, or expended in a fiscal year shall be available for allocation, obligation, and expenditure in the following fiscal year.

Subd. 10.Rapid response activities.

The commissioner, in cooperation with local workforce councils, shall be responsible for implementing the following rapid response activities:

(1) establishing on-site contact with employer and employee representatives within a short period of time after becoming aware of a current or projected plant closing or substantial layoff in order to:

(i) provide information on and facilitate access to available public programs and services; and

(ii) provide emergency assistance adapted to the particular closure or layoff;

(2) promoting the formation of a employee-management committee by providing:

(i) immediate assistance in the establishment of the employee-management committee;

(ii) technical advice and information on sources of assistance and liaison with other public and private services and programs; and

(iii) assistance in the selection of worker representatives in the event no union is present;

(3) collecting and disseminating information related to economic dislocation, including potential closings or layoffs, and all available resources with the state for dislocated workers;

(4) providing or obtaining appropriate financial and technical advice and liaison with economic development agencies and other organizations to assist in efforts to avert dislocation;

(5) disseminating information throughout the state on the availability of services and activities carried out by the dislocated worker unit; and

(6) assisting the local workforce council in developing its own coordinated response to a plant closing or substantial layoff and access to state economic development assistance.

Subd. 11.Converting layoffs into Minnesota businesses (CLIMB).

Converting layoffs into Minnesota businesses (CLIMB) is created to assist dislocated workers in starting or growing a business. CLIMB must offer entrepreneurial training, business consulting, and technical assistance to dislocated workers seeking to start or grow a business. The commissioner, in cooperation with local workforce councils, must provide the assistance in this subdivision by:

(1) encouraging closer ties between the Small Business Development Center network, Small Business Development Center training providers, and workforce centers, as well as other dislocated worker program service providers; and

(2) eliminating grantee performance data disincentives that would otherwise prevent enrollment of dislocated workers in entrepreneurship-related training.

116L.18 SPECIAL INCUMBENT WORKER TRAINING GRANTS.

Subdivision 1.Purpose.

The purpose of the special incumbent worker training grants is to expand opportunities for businesses and workers to gain new skills that are in demand in the Minnesota economy. The board shall establish criteria for incumbent worker grants under this section and may encourage creative training models, innovative partnerships, and expansion or replication of promising practices.

Subd. 2.Definitions.

(a) For the purposes of this section, the following terms have the meanings given them.

(b) "Incumbent worker" means an individual employed by a qualifying employer.

(c) "Qualifying employer" means a for-profit business or nonprofit organization in Minnesota with at least one full-time paid employee. Public sector organizations are not considered qualifying employers.

(d) "Eligible organization" has the meaning given in section 116L.17.

Subd. 3.Amount of grants.

A grant to an eligible organization may not exceed $400,000.

Subd. 4.Matching funds.

The board shall require matching funds from qualifying employers in the form of funding, equipment, or faculty.

Subd. 5.Use of funds.

Eligible organizations shall use funds granted under this section for direct training services to provide a measurable increase in the job-related skills of participating incumbent workers. Eligible organizations may also provide basic assessment, counseling, and preemployment training services requested by the qualifying employer. No funds may be used for support services as described in section 116L.17, subdivision 4, clause (2).

Subd. 6.Performance outcome measures.

The board and the commissioner of employment and economic development shall jointly develop performance outcome measures and standards for this program. The commissioner and board shall consult with eligible organizations in establishing standards. Measures at a minimum must include posttraining retention, promotion, and wage increase. The board and commissioner shall provide a report to the legislature by March 1 of each year on the previous fiscal year's program performance. Eligible organizations must provide performance data in a timely manner for the completion of this report.

GENERALLY

116L.19 DEFINITIONS.

Subdivision 1.Applicability.

The definitions in this section apply to sections 116L.19 to 116L.976.

Subd. 2.Commissioner.

"Commissioner" means the commissioner of employment and economic development.

Subd. 3.Department.

"Department" means the Department of Employment and Economic Development.

Subd. 4.Employment and training services.

"Employment and training services" means programs, activities, and services related to job training, job placement, and job creation including job service programs, Workforce Investment Act programs, job search, counseling, case management, community work experience programs, displaced homemaker programs, disadvantaged job training programs, grant diversion, youth employment programs, Conservation Corps, apprenticeship programs, community development corporations, workforce development services to employers, and opportunities industrialization centers.

Subd. 5.Income maintenance and support services.

"Income maintenance and support services" means programs through which the state or its subdivisions provide direct financial or in-kind support to unemployed or underemployed persons, including unemployment benefits, the Minnesota family investment program, general assistance, food stamps or food support, energy assistance, disability determinations, and child care. Income maintenance and support services do not include medical assistance, aging services, social services, community social services, mental health services, or services for the emotionally disturbed, the developmentally disabled, or residents of nursing homes.

Subd. 6.Indian tribe.

For purposes of employment and training services, "Indian tribe" means a tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or community of Indians that is recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians, and for which a reservation exists as is consistent with Public Law 100-485, as amended.

Subd. 7.Local service unit.

"Local service unit" means a county, counties operating under a joint powers agreement, one or more counties and one or more cities of the first class operating under a joint powers agreement, or a city of the first class.

Subd. 8.Public assistance.

"Public assistance" means the Minnesota family investment program and general assistance.

Subd. 9.Service provider.

"Service provider" means a public, private, or nonprofit agency that is capable of providing or administrating one or more of the employment and training services or income maintenance and support services.

116L.191 WORKFORCE CENTER; CREDENTIAL ASSISTANCE.

(a) The commissioner shall provide at local workforce centers services that assist individuals in identifying and obtaining industry-recognized credentials for jobs, particularly jobs in high demand. The workforce centers must consult and cooperate with training institutions, particularly postsecondary institutions, to identify credential programs to individuals.

(b) Each workforce center shall provide information under section 116J.4011, paragraph (b), clause (3), linked as a shortcut from the desktop of each workforce center computer and available in hard copy. Prominent signs should be posted in workforce centers directing individuals to where they can find a list of top job vacancies and related credential information.

116L.20 WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT FUND.

Subdivision 1.Determination and collection of special assessment.

(a) In addition to amounts due from an employer under the Minnesota unemployment insurance program, each employer, except an employer making reimbursements is liable for a special assessment levied at the rate of .10 percent per year on all taxable wages, as defined in section 268.035, subdivision 24, except that effective July 1, 2009, until June 30, 2011, the special assessment shall be levied at a rate of .12 percent per year on all taxable wages as defined in section 268.035, subdivision 24. The assessment shall become due and be paid by each employer on the same schedule and in the same manner as other amounts due from an employer under section 268.051, subdivision 1.

(b) The special assessment levied under this section shall be subject to the same requirements and collection procedures as any amounts due from an employer under the Minnesota unemployment insurance program.

Subd. 2.Disbursement of special assessment funds.

(a) The money collected under this section shall be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the workforce development fund to provide for employment and training programs. The workforce development fund is created as a special account in the state treasury.

(b) All money in the fund not otherwise appropriated or transferred is appropriated to the Job Skills Partnership Board for the purposes of section 116L.17 and as provided for in paragraph (d). The board must act as the fiscal agent for the money and must disburse that money for the purposes of section 116L.17, not allowing the money to be used for any other obligation of the state. All money in the workforce development fund shall be deposited, administered, and disbursed in the same manner and under the same conditions and requirements as are provided by law for the other special accounts in the state treasury, except that all interest or net income resulting from the investment or deposit of money in the fund shall accrue to the fund for the purposes of the fund.

(c) Reimbursement for costs related to collection of the special assessment shall be in an amount negotiated between the commissioner and the United States Department of Labor.

(d) If the board determines that the conditions of section 116L.05, subdivision 5, have been met, the board may use funds for the purposes outlined in sections 116L.04 and 116L.10 to 116L.14, or to provide incumbent worker training services under section 116L.18.

116L.30 [Renumbered 299A.73]

PLANNING FOR YOUTH EMPLOYMENT

116L.361 DEFINITIONS.

Subdivision 1.Terms.

For the purposes of sections 116L.361 to 116L.366, the following terms have the meanings given them.

Subd. 2.Advisory committee.

"Advisory committee" means the committee established in section 116L.363.

Subd. 3.Eligible organization.

"Eligible organization" means a public agency or a nonprofit organization that can demonstrate an ability to implement a program for education and training services provided to targeted youth. Eligible organizations may include local jurisdictions, public school districts, private nonsectarian schools, postsecondary educational institutes, alternative schools, community groups, and labor organizations.

Subd. 4.Program.

"Program" means the services and activities performed or contracted for by an eligible organization for which a grant has been received or for which a grant application has been submitted to the commissioner.

Subd. 5.Homeless individual.

"Homeless individual" or "homeless person" means:

(1) an individual who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence; and

(2) an individual who has a primary nighttime residence that is:

(i) a supervised publicly or privately operated shelter or dwelling designed to provide temporary living accommodations;

(ii) an institution that provides a temporary residence for individuals intended to be institutionalized; or

(iii) a public or private place not designed for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for humans.

The term "homeless individual" does not include any individual imprisoned or otherwise detained under federal or state law.

Subd. 6.Targeted youth.

"Targeted youth" means at-risk persons who are at least 16 years of age but not older than 24 years of age, are eligible for the high school graduation incentive program under section 124D.68, subdivision 2, or are economically disadvantaged as defined in United States Code, title 29, section 1503, and are part of one of the following groups:

(1) persons who are not attending any school and have not received a secondary school diploma or its equivalent; or

(2) persons currently enrolled in a traditional or alternative school setting or a GED program and who, in the opinion of an official of the school, are in danger of dropping out of the school.

Subd. 7.Very low income.

"Very low income" means incomes that are at or less than 50 percent of the area median income, adjusted for family size, as estimated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

116L.362 GRANTS.

Subdivision 1.Generally.

(a) The commissioner shall make grants to eligible organizations for programs to provide education and training services to targeted youth. The purpose of these programs is to provide specialized training and work experience for targeted youth who have not been served effectively by the current educational system. The programs are to include a work experience component with work projects that result in the rehabilitation, improvement, or construction of (1) residential units for the homeless; (2) improvements to the energy efficiency and environmental health of residential units and other green jobs purposes; (3) facilities to support community garden projects; or (4) education, social service, or health facilities which are owned by a public agency or a private nonprofit organization.

(b) Eligible facilities must principally provide services to homeless or very low income individuals and families, and include the following:

(1) Head Start or day care centers;

(2) homeless, battered women, or other shelters;

(3) transitional housing;

(4) youth or senior citizen centers;

(5) community health centers; and

(6) community garden facilities.

Two or more eligible organizations may jointly apply for a grant. The commissioner shall administer the grant program.

Subd. 2.Grant applications; awards.

Interested eligible organizations must apply to the commissioner for the grants. The advisory committee must review the applications and provide to the commissioner a list of recommended eligible organizations that the advisory committee determines meet the requirements for receiving a grant. The total grant award for any program may not exceed $150,000 per year. In awarding grants, the advisory committee and the commissioner must give priority to:

(1) continuing and expanding effective programs by providing grant money to organizations that are operating or have operated a successful program that meets the program purposes under section 116L.364; and

(2) distributing programs throughout the state through start-up grants for programs in areas that are not served by an existing program.

To receive a grant under this section, the eligible organization must match the grant money with at least an equal amount of nonstate money. The commissioner must verify that the eligible organization has matched the grant money. Nothing in this subdivision shall prevent an eligible organization from applying for and receiving grants for more than one program. A grant received by an eligible organization from the federal Youthbuild Project under United States Code, title 42, section 5091, is nonstate money and may be used to meet the state match requirement. State grant money awarded under this section may be used by grantee organizations for match requirements of a federal Youthbuild Project.

116L.3625 ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS.

The commissioner may use up to five percent of the biennial appropriation for Youthbuild from the general fund to pay costs incurred by the department in administering Youthbuild during the biennium.

116L.363 ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

A 12-member advisory committee is established as provided under section 15.059 to assist the commissioner in selecting eligible organizations to receive program grants and evaluating the final reports of each organization. Members of the committee may be reimbursed for expenses but may not receive any other compensation for service on the committee. The advisory committee consists of representatives of the commissioners of education, human services, and employment and economic development; a representative of the chancellor of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities; a representative of the commissioner of the Housing Finance Agency; and seven public members appointed by the governor. Each of the following groups must be represented by a public member experienced in working with targeted youth: labor organizations, local educators, community groups, consumers, local housing developers, youth between the ages of 16 and 24 who have a period of homelessness, and other homeless persons. At least three of the public members must be from outside of the metropolitan area as defined in section 473.121, subdivision 2. The commissioner may provide staff to the advisory committee to assist it in carrying out its purpose.

116L.364 PROGRAM PURPOSE AND DESIGN.

Subdivision 1.Program purpose.

The grants awarded under section 116L.362 are for a youth employment and training program directed at targeted youth who are likely to be at risk of not completing their high school education. Each program must include education, work experience, job skills, and leadership training and peer support components. Each participant must be offered counseling and other services to identify and overcome problems that might interfere with successfully completing the program.

Subd. 2.Education component.

A program must contain an education component that requires program participants to complete their secondary education in a traditional public or private secondary school, a suitable alternative school setting, or a GED program. Program participants must be working toward the completion of their secondary education or literacy advancement.

Subd. 3.Work experience component.

A work experience component must be included in each program. The work experience component must provide vocational skills training in an industry where there is a viable expectation of job opportunities. A training subsidy, living allowance, or stipend, not to exceed an amount equal to 100 percent of the poverty line for a family of two as defined in United States Code, title 42, section 673, paragraph (2), may be provided to program participants. The wage or stipend must be provided to participants who are recipients of public assistance in a manner or amount which will not reduce public assistance benefits. The work experience component must be designed so that work projects result in (1) the expansion or improvement of residential units for homeless persons and very low income families; (2) improvements to the energy efficiency and environmental health of residential units; (3) facilities to support community garden projects; or (4) rehabilitation, improvement, or construction of eligible education, social service, or health facilities that principally serve homeless or very low income individuals and families. Any work project must include direct supervision by individuals skilled in each specific vocation. Program participants may earn credits toward the completion of their secondary education from their participation in the work experience component.

Subd. 4.Job readiness skills component.

A job readiness skills component must comprise at least 20 percent of each program. The component must provide program participants with job search skills, placement assistance, and other job readiness skills to ensure that participants will have an understanding of the building trades, unions, self-employment, and other employment opportunities and be able to compete in the employment market.

Subd. 5.Leadership training and peer support component.

Each program must provide participants with meaningful opportunities to develop leadership skills such as decision making, problem solving, and negotiating. The program must encourage participants to develop strong peer group ties that support their mutual pursuit of skills and values.

116L.365 HOUSING FOR HOMELESS.

Subdivision 1.Priority for housing.

Any residential or transitional housing units that become available through a work project that is part of the program described in section 116L.364 must be allocated in the following order:

(1) homeless targeted youth who have participated in constructing, rehabilitating, or improving the unit;

(2) homeless families with at least one dependent;

(3) other homeless individuals;

(4) other very low income families and individuals; and

(5) families or individuals that receive public assistance and that do not qualify in any other priority group.

Subd. 2.Acquisition of housing units.

The eligible organization receiving a grant under section 116L.362 shall acquire property or buildings for the construction or rehabilitation of residential units at the lowest possible cost. Possible sources of property and funding include the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development, Farmers Home Administration, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, and the local housing authority.

Subd. 3.Management of residential units.

The program must address how to manage these residential units, including the source of financing for the maintenance costs of the buildings. Any management plan must include the participation of the residents and local established neighborhood groups.

116L.366 REQUIREMENTS OF ORGANIZATIONS RECEIVING GRANTS.

An organization that is awarded a grant shall prepare and submit an annual report to the commissioner by September 1 of each year. The report must include a discussion of the following:

(1) the process used for encouraging the participation of the targeted youth in the geographic area surrounding the organization receiving the grant;

(2) the support services and social services that targeted youth received under the program. Services may include client needs assessment, preemployment skills such as basic job skills and behavior, and intermediate needs such as education and chemical dependency treatment;

(3) the type and degree of work experience that program participants received, including real work experience in both vocational and nonvocational settings;

(4) the amount of training subsidy or stipend that each participant received while participating in the work experience component. The subsidy or stipend must reflect prevailing wage and benefits standards appropriate for preapprenticeship training unless a participant's receipt of public assistance is affected. The subsidy or stipend should be structured to include incentives for progress toward increasing job skills and completing secondary education;

(5) the means of providing the necessary job readiness skills to program participants who have completed the work experience and educational components of the program so they have the ability to compete in the job market. These job search skills may include skills assessment, job search and selection, application preparation and assistance in preparing for job interviews;

(6) the methods used to assist in placing program participants in suitable employment. The methods should include means of involving state government, businesses, labor organizations, community groups, and local jurisdictions in assisting in the placement;

(7) the process used for evaluating the program, including the necessary data elements collected from program participants after they have completed the program for monitoring the success of the program;

(8) the method used to maximize parental involvement in the program;

(9) the existing public and private programs that were utilized by the program to avoid duplication of services;

(10) the regional characteristics that affected the operation of the program in the specific region where the organization is located;

(11) the means of addressing the special needs of priority groups of targeted youth, including:

(i) persons who are responsible for at least one dependent;

(ii) persons who are pregnant;

(iii) persons who are or have been subject to any stage of the criminal justice system and who may benefit from receiving employment and training services in overcoming barriers to employment resulting from a record of arrest or conviction;

(iv) persons receiving income maintenance services and social services, including chemical dependency treatment, vocational rehabilitation services, and protection services;

(v) persons who reside on a farm who personally derive or whose family derives a substantial portion of their income from farming, lack nonfarm work skills, or have limited access to vocational education or work experience opportunities;

(vi) homeless youth; and

(vii) minors who that are not financially dependent on a parent or a guardian;

(12) costs for each of the components of the program; and

(13) the identification of the funding sources other than state appropriations that were used to support the program.

MINNESOTA YOUTH PROGRAM

116L.56 DEFINITIONS.

Subdivision 1.Scope.

For the purposes of this section and section 116L.561, the terms defined in this section have the meanings given them.

Subd. 2.Eligible applicant.

"Eligible applicant" means an individual who is between the ages of 14 and 21 and economically disadvantaged.

An at-risk youth who is classified as a family of one is deemed economically disadvantaged. For purposes of eligibility determination the following individuals are considered at risk:

(1) a pregnant or parenting youth;

(2) a youth with limited English proficiency;

(3) a potential or actual school dropout;

(4) a youth in an offender or diversion program;

(5) a public assistance recipient or a recipient of group home services;

(6) a youth with disabilities including learning disabilities;

(7) a chemically dependent youth or child of drug or alcohol abusers;

(8) a homeless or runaway youth;

(9) a youth with basic skills deficiency;

(10) a youth with an educational attainment of one or more levels below grade level appropriate to age; or

(11) a foster child.

Subd. 3.Employer.

"Employer" means a private or public employer.

116L.561 MINNESOTA YOUTH PROGRAM.

Subdivision 1.Purpose.

The Minnesota youth program is established to:

(1) improve the employability of eligible applicants through exposure to public or private sector work;

(2) enhance the basic educational skills of eligible applicants;

(3) encourage the completion of high school or equivalency;

(4) assist eligible applicants to enter employment, school-to-work transition programs, the military, or postsecondary education or training;

(5) enhance the citizenship skills of eligible applicants through community service and service-learning; and

(6) provide educational, career, and life skills counseling.

Subd. 2.Wage rate.

The rate of pay for Minnesota youth program positions with public, private nonprofit, and private for-profit employers is the minimum wage. Employers may use their own funds to increase the participants' hourly wage rates. Youths designated as supervisors may be paid at a higher level to be determined by the local contractor.

Subd. 3.Employment contracts.

The commissioner may enter into arrangements with existing public and private nonprofit organizations and agencies with experience in administering youth employment programs for the purpose of providing employment opportunities for eligible applicants in furtherance of this section and section 116L.56. The Department of Employment and Economic Development shall retain ultimate responsibility for the administration of this employment program.

Subd. 4.Contract administration.

Preference shall be given to local contractors with experience in administering youth employment and training programs and those who have demonstrated efforts to coordinate state and federal youth programs locally.

Subd. 5.Allocation formula.

Seventy percent of Minnesota youth program funds must be allocated based on the county's share of economically disadvantaged youth. The remaining 30 percent must be allocated based on the county's share of population ages 14 to 21.

Subd. 6.Allowable cost categories.

Of the total allocation, up to 15 percent may be used for administrative purposes and the remainder may be used for a combination of training and participant support activities.

Subd. 7.Reports.

Each contractor shall report to the commissioner in a format to be determined by the commissioner.

Data collected on individuals under this subdivision are private data on individuals as defined in section 13.02, subdivision 12, except that summary data may be provided under section 13.05, subdivision 7.

Subd. 8.Part-time employment.

Wages and subsidies under this section may be paid for part-time employment.

Subd. 9.Layoffs; worker reductions.

An employer may not lay off, terminate, or reduce the working hours of an employee for the purpose of hiring an individual with funds provided by this section. An employer may not hire an individual with funds available under this section if any other individual is laid off from the same or a substantially equivalent job.

JOB TRAINING

116L.60 PURPOSE.

It is the purpose of sections 116L.60 to 116L.64 to provide financial assistance for comprehensive job training and related services for economically disadvantaged, unemployed, and underemployed individuals through opportunities industrialization centers.

116L.61 DEFINITIONS.

Subdivision 1.Scope.

When used in sections 116L.60 to 116L.64 the terms in this section have the meanings given them.

Subd. 2.Council.

"Council" means the Minnesota State Council of the Opportunities Industrialization Centers of America.

Subd. 3.Economically disadvantaged.

"Economically disadvantaged" means an individual who meets the criteria for an economically disadvantaged person established by rule by the commissioner.

Subd. 4.Underemployed.

"Underemployed" means an individual:

(1) working part time but seeking full-time work; or

(2) working full time but receiving wages below the greater of:

(i) the poverty level determined in accordance with criteria established by the Department of Employment and Economic Development; or

(ii) 70 percent of the lower living standard income level as determined by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Subd. 5.Unemployed.

"Unemployed" means an individual who is without a job, and who wants and is available for work.

116L.62 DISTRIBUTION AND USE OF STATE MONEY.

The commissioner shall distribute the money appropriated for:

(a) comprehensive job training and related services or job opportunities programs for economically disadvantaged, unemployed, and underemployed individuals, including persons of limited English speaking ability, through opportunities industrialization centers; and

(b) the establishment and operation in Minnesota of these centers.

Comprehensive job training and related services include: recruitment, counseling, remediation, motivational prejob training, vocational training, job development, job placement, and other appropriate services enabling individuals to secure and retain employment at their maximum capacity.

116L.63 CRITERIA FOR DISTRIBUTION OF MONEY.

The commissioner, with the advice of the council, shall establish criteria for the distribution of state money for the purpose of section 116L.62. The criteria shall include requirements that:

(1) the program receiving state assistance:

(i) involve residents in the area to be served by the program in the planning and operation of the program; and

(ii) involve the business community in the area to be served by the program in its development and operation;

(2) the distribution of assistance among areas within the state be equitable, with priority being given to areas with high unemployment or underemployment;

(3) financial assistance under sections 116L.60 to 116L.64 to any program may not exceed 25 percent of the cost of the program including costs of administration; and

(4) a program receiving financial assistance has adequate internal administrative controls, accounting procedures, personnel standards, evaluation procedures, availability of in-service training and technical assistance programs, and other policies necessary to promote the effective use of state money.

The commissioner may make a distribution in excess of the limit prescribed in clause (3) if the commissioner determines that the excess distribution is necessary to further the objectives of sections 116L.60 and 116L.62.

116L.64 MONEY DISTRIBUTION.

The commissioner may make a distribution of money directly to a program, or make a distribution subject to conditions that ensure use consistent with the distribution and utilization of money under federal legislation regarding job training and related services.

116L.66 FIRST SOURCE AGREEMENTS.

Subdivision 1.List of vacancies.

A business or private enterprise receiving grants or loans from the state in amounts over $200,000 a year shall as part of the grant or loan agree to list any vacant or new positions with the state workforce centers.

Subd. 2.Grant and loan agreements.

The commissioner shall incorporate the provisions of this section into grant and loan agreements.

116L.665 WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL.

Subdivision 1.Creation.

The governor's Workforce Development Council is created under the authority of the Workforce Investment Act, United States Code, title 29, section 2801, et seq. Local workforce development councils are authorized under the Workforce Investment Act. The governor's Workforce Development Council serves as Minnesota's Workforce Investment Board for the purposes of the federal Workforce Investment Act.

Subd. 2.Membership.

The governor's Workforce Development Council is composed of 31 members appointed by the governor. The members may be removed pursuant to section 15.059. In selecting the representatives of the council, the governor shall ensure that 50 percent of the members come from nominations provided by local workforce councils. Local education representatives shall come from nominations provided by local education to employment partnerships. The 31 members shall represent the following sectors:

(a) State agencies: the following individuals shall serve on the council:

(1) commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development;

(2) commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Education; and

(3) commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Services.

(b) Business and industry: six individuals shall represent the business and industry sectors of Minnesota.

(c) Organized labor: six individuals shall represent labor organizations of Minnesota.

(d) Community-based organizations: four individuals shall represent community-based organizations of Minnesota. Community-based organizations are defined by the Workforce Investment Act as private nonprofit organizations that are representative of communities or significant segments of communities and that have demonstrated expertise and effectiveness in the field of workforce investment and may include entities that provide job training services, serve youth, serve individuals with disabilities, serve displaced homemakers, union-related organizations, employer-related nonprofit organizations, and organizations serving nonreservation Indians and tribal governments.

(e) Education: six individuals shall represent the education sector of Minnesota as follows:

(1) one individual shall represent local public secondary education;

(2) one individual shall have expertise in design and implementation of school-based service-learning;

(3) one individual shall represent leadership of the University of Minnesota;

(4) one individual shall represent secondary/postsecondary vocational institutions;

(5) the chancellor of the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities; and

(6) one individual shall have expertise in agricultural education.

(f) Other: two individuals shall represent other constituencies including:

(1) units of local government; and

(2) applicable state or local programs.

The speaker and the minority leader of the house of representatives shall each appoint a representative to serve as an ex officio member of the council. The majority and minority leaders of the senate shall each appoint a senator to serve as an ex officio member of the council.

The governor shall appoint one individual representing public libraries and one individual representing adult basic education programs to serve as a nonvoting advisor to the council.

(g) Appointment: each member shall be appointed for a term of three years from the first day of January or July immediately following their appointment. Elected officials shall forfeit their appointment if they cease to serve in elected office.

(h) Members of the council are compensated as provided in section 15.059, subdivision 3.

Subd. 2a.Council meetings.

(a) If compliance with section 13D.02 is impractical, the Governor's Workforce Development Council may conduct a meeting of its members by telephone or other electronic means so long as the following conditions are met:

(1) all members of the council participating in the meeting, wherever their physical location, can hear one another and can hear all discussion and testimony;

(2) members of the public present at the regular meeting location of the council can hear clearly all discussion and testimony and all votes of members of the council and, if needed, receive those services required by sections 15.44 and 15.441;

(3) at least one member of the council is physically present at the regular meeting location; and

(4) all votes are conducted by roll call, so each member's vote on each issue can be identified and recorded.

(b) Each member of the council participating in a meeting by telephone or other electronic means is considered present at the meeting for purposes of determining a quorum and participating in all proceedings.

(c) If telephone or other electronic means is used to conduct a meeting, the council, to the extent practical, shall allow a person to monitor the meeting electronically from a remote location. The council may require the person making such a connection to pay for documented marginal costs that the council incurs as a result of the additional connection.

(d) If telephone or other electronic means is used to conduct a regular, special, or emergency meeting, the council shall provide notice of the regular meeting location, of the fact that some members may participate by telephone or other electronic means, and of the provisions of paragraph (c). The timing and method of providing notice is governed by section 13D.04.

Subd. 3.Purpose; duties.

The governor's Workforce Development Council shall replace the governor's Job Training Council and assume all of its requirements, duties, and responsibilities under the Workforce Investment Act. Additionally, the Workforce Development Council shall assume the following duties and responsibilities:

(a) Review the provision of services and the use of funds and resources under applicable federal human resource programs and advise the governor on methods of coordinating the provision of services and the use of funds and resources consistent with the laws and regulations governing the programs. For purposes of this section, applicable federal and state human resource programs mean the:

(1) Workforce Investment Act, United States Code, title 29, section 2911, et seq.;

(2) Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act, United States Code, title 20, section 2301, et seq.;

(3) Adult Education Act, United States Code, title 20, section 1201, et seq.;

(4) Wagner-Peyser Act, United States Code, title 29, section 49;

(5) Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunities Act of 1996 (TANF);

(6) Food Stamp Act of 1977, United States Code, title 7, section 6(d)(4), Food Stamp Employment and Training Program, United States Code, title 7, section 2015(d)(4); and

(7) programs defined in section 116L.19, subdivision 5.

Additional federal and state programs and resources can be included within the scope of the council's duties if recommended by the governor after consultation with the council.

(b) Review federal, state, and local education, postsecondary, job skills training, and youth employment programs, and make recommendations to the governor and the legislature for establishing an integrated seamless system for providing education and work skills development services to learners and workers of all ages.

(c) Advise the governor on the development and implementation of statewide and local performance standards and measures relating to applicable federal human resource programs and the coordination of performance standards and measures among programs.

(d) Promote education and employment transitions programs and knowledge and skills of entrepreneurship among employers, workers, youth, and educators, and encourage employers to provide meaningful work-based learning opportunities.

(e) Evaluate and identify exemplary education and employment transitions programs and provide technical assistance to local partnerships to replicate the programs throughout the state.

(f) Advise the governor on methods to evaluate applicable federal human resource programs.

(g) Sponsor appropriate studies to identify human investment needs in Minnesota and recommend to the governor goals and methods for meeting those needs.

(h) Recommend to the governor goals and methods for the development and coordination of a human resource system in Minnesota.

(i) Examine federal and state laws, rules, and regulations to assess whether they present barriers to achieving the development of a coordinated human resource system.

(j) Recommend to the governor and to the federal government changes in state or federal laws, rules, or regulations concerning employment and training programs that present barriers to achieving the development of a coordinated human resource system.

(k) Recommend to the governor and to the federal government waivers of laws and regulations to promote coordinated service delivery.

(l) Sponsor appropriate studies and prepare and recommend to the governor a strategic plan which details methods for meeting Minnesota's human investment needs and for developing and coordinating a state human resource system.

(m) Provide the commissioner of employment and economic development and the committees of the legislature with responsibility for economic development with recommendations provided to the governor under this subdivision.

(n) In consultation with local workforce councils and the Department of Employment and Economic Development, develop an ongoing process to identify and address local gaps in workforce services.

Subd. 4.Executive committee duties.

The executive committee must, with advice and input of local workforce councils and other stakeholders as appropriate, develop performance standards for the state workforce centers. By January 15, 2002, and each odd-numbered year thereafter, the executive committee shall submit a report to the senate and house of representatives committees with jurisdiction over workforce development programs regarding the performance and outcomes of the workforce centers. The report must provide recommendations regarding workforce center funding levels and sources, program changes, and administrative changes.

Subd. 5.Subcommittees.

The chair of the Workforce Development Council may establish subcommittees in order to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the council.

Subd. 6.Staffing.

The Department of Employment and Economic Development must provide staff, including but not limited to professional, technical, and clerical staff necessary to perform the duties assigned to the Minnesota Workforce Development Council. All staff report to the commissioner. The council may ask for assistance from other units of state government as it requires in order to fulfill its duties and responsibilities.

Subd. 7.Expiration.

The council expires if there is no federal funding for the human resource programs within the scope of the council's duties.

Subd. 8.Funding.

The commissioner shall develop recommendations on a funding formula for allocating Workforce Investment Act funds to the council with a minimum allocation of $350,000 per year. The commissioner shall report the funding formula recommendations to the legislature by January 15, 2011.

116L.666 WORKFORCE SERVICE AREAS.

Subdivision 1.Designation of workforce service areas.

For the purpose of administering federal, state, and local employment and training services, the commissioner shall designate the geographic boundaries for workforce service areas in Minnesota.

The commissioner shall approve a request to be a workforce service area from:

(1) a home rule charter or statutory city with a population of 200,000 or more or a county with a population of 200,000 or more; or

(2) a consortium of contiguous home rule charter or statutory cities or counties with an aggregate population of 200,000 or more that serves a substantial part of one or more labor markets.

The commissioner may approve a request to be a workforce service area from a home rule charter or statutory city or a county or a consortium of contiguous home rule charter or statutory cities or counties, without regard to population, that serves a substantial portion of a labor market area.

The commissioner shall make a final designation of workforce service areas within the state after consulting with local elected officials and the governor's Workforce Development Council. Existing service delivery areas designated under the federal Job Training Partnership Act shall be initially designated as workforce service areas providing that no other petitions are submitted by local elected officials.

The commissioner may redesignate workforce service areas, upon the advice of the affected local elected officials, no more frequently than every two years. These redesignations must be made not later than four months before the beginning of a program year.

Subd. 2.Creation of local workforce councils.

A local workforce council must be established in each workforce service area, designated according to subdivision 1.

Subd. 3.Membership on local workforce councils.

In workforce service areas representing only one home rule charter or statutory city or a county, the chief elected official must appoint members to the council. In workforce service areas representing two or more home rule charter or statutory cities or counties, the chief elected officials of the home rule charter or statutory cities or counties must appoint members to the council, in accordance with an agreement entered into by such units of general local government.

A council shall include as members:

(1) representatives of the private sector, who must constitute a majority of the membership of the council and who are owners of business concerns, chief executives or chief operating officers of nongovernmental employers, or other private sector executives who have substantial management or policy responsibility;

(2) at least two representatives of organized labor;

(3) representatives of the area workforce and community-based organizations, who shall constitute not less than 15 percent of the membership of the council; and

(4) representatives of each of the following:

(i) educational agencies that are representative of all educational agencies within the workforce service area;

(ii) vocational rehabilitation agencies;

(iii) public assistance agencies;

(iv) economic development agencies; and

(v) public employment service agencies.

The chair of each local workforce council shall be selected from among the members of the council who are representatives of the private sector.

Private sector representatives on the local workforce council shall be selected from among individuals nominated by general purpose business organizations, such as local chambers of commerce, in the workforce service area.

Education representatives on the local workforce council must include at least one representative from a local adult basic education program approved under section 124D.52 and the remaining education representatives shall be selected from among individuals nominated by secondary and postsecondary educational institutions within the workforce service area.

Organized labor representatives on the local workforce council shall be selected from individuals recommended by recognized state and local labor federations, organizations, or councils. If the state or local labor federations, organizations, or councils fail to nominate a sufficient number of individuals to meet the labor representation requirements, individual workers may be included on the local workforce council to complete the labor representation.

The commissioner must certify a local workforce council if the commissioner determines that its composition and appointments are consistent with this subdivision.

Subd. 4.Purpose; duties of local workforce council.

The local workforce council is responsible for providing policy guidance for, and exercising oversight with respect to, activities conducted by local workforce centers in partnership with the local unit or units of general local government within the workforce service area and with the commissioner.

A local workforce center is a location where federal, state, and local employment and training services are provided to job seekers and employers.

A local workforce council, in accordance with an agreement or agreements with the appropriate chief elected official or officials and the commissioner, shall:

(1) determine procedures for the development of the local workforce service area plan. The procedures may provide for the preparation of all or any part of the plan:

(i) by the council;

(ii) by any unit of general local or state government in the workforce service area, or by an agency of that unit; or

(iii) by any other methods or institutions as may be provided in the agreement;

(2) select the recipients for local grants and an administrator of the local workforce service area plan. These may be the same entity or separate entities and must be chosen from among the following:

(i) the council;

(ii) a unit of general local or state government in its workforce service area, or an agency of that unit;

(iii) a nonprofit organization or corporation; or

(iv) any other agreed-upon entity;

(3) jointly plan for local collaborative activities including the transition of public assistance recipients to employment in the public or private sectors;

(4) provide on-site review and oversight of program performance;

(5) establish local priorities for service and target populations;

(6) ensure nonduplication of services and a unified service delivery system within the workforce service area;

(7) ensure that local workforce centers provide meeting space, free of charge, for meetings of displaced homemaker programs, established under section 116L.96; and

(8) nominate individuals to the governor to consider for membership on the governor's Workforce Development Council.

116L.86 EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING PROGRAMS.

Subdivision 1.Interagency agreements.

By October 1, 1987, the commissioner and the commissioner of human services shall enter into a written contract for the design, delivery, and administration of employment and training services for applicants for or recipients of food stamps, the Minnesota family investment program, and general assistance. The contract must address:

(1) specific roles and responsibilities of each department;

(2) assignment and supervision of staff for interagency activities including any necessary interagency employee mobility agreements under the administrative procedures of the Department of Management and Budget;

(3) mechanisms for determining the conditions under which individuals participate in services, their rights and responsibilities while participating, and the standards by which the services must be administered;

(4) procedures for providing technical assistance to local service units, Indian tribes, and employment and training service providers;

(5) access to appropriate staff for ongoing development and interpretation of policy, rules, and program standards;

(6) procedures for reimbursing appropriate agencies for administrative expenses; and

(7) procedures for accessing available federal funds.

Subd. 2.Coordination.

In developing employment and training services, the commissioner shall identify and incorporate, to the extent possible, money from both federal and state income maintenance, employment and training, and educational programs.

Subd. 3.Inventory, referral, and intake services.

The commissioner of employment and economic development, in cooperation with the commissioner of human services, shall develop an inventory, referral, and intake system. The system must provide for coordinated delivery of employment and training and income maintenance support services, efficient client referral among programs and services, reduction of duplicate data collection, coordinated program intake by local agencies, and effective evaluation of employment and training services. The system must, at a minimum, include the following:

(1) a listing of all available public and private employment and training services, income maintenance and support services, and vocationally directed education and training programs;

(2) the capability to assess client needs and match those needs with employment opportunities, education and training programs, and employment and training and income maintenance and support services, and to refer the client to the appropriate employer, educational institution, or service provider;

(3) a coordinated intake procedure for employment and training services, and income maintenance and support services;

(4) access to a statewide database for client tracking and program evaluation; and

(5) internal security measures to protect private data from unauthorized access.

In developing the system, the commissioner shall consult with the public postsecondary educational systems, local agencies, employment and training service providers, and client and employer representatives. The system must be available in each local agency or service provider delivering programs administered by the commissioner of employment and economic development or the commissioner of human services. Access by intake workers, state agency personnel, clients, and any other system users to information contained in the system must conform with all applicable federal and state data privacy requirements.

116L.871 LOCAL DELIVERY.

Subdivision 1.Responsibility and certification.

(a) Unless prohibited by federal law or otherwise determined by state law, a local service unit is responsible for the delivery of employment and training services. Employment and training services may be delivered by certified employment and training service providers.

(b) The local service unit's employment and training service provider must meet the certification standards in this subdivision if the county requests that they be certified to deliver any of the following employment and training services and programs: wage subsidies; general assistance grant diversion; food stamp employment and training programs; community work experience programs; and MFIP employment services.

(c) The commissioner shall certify a local service unit's service provider to provide these employment and training services and programs if the commissioner determines that the provider has:

(1) past experience in direct delivery of the programs specified in paragraph (b);

(2) staff capabilities and qualifications, including adequate staff to provide timely and effective services to clients, and proven staff experience in providing specific services such as assessments, career planning, job development, job placement, support services, and knowledge of community services and educational resources;

(3) demonstrated effectiveness in providing services to public assistance recipients and other economically disadvantaged clients; and

(4) demonstrated administrative capabilities, including adequate fiscal and accounting procedures, financial management systems, participant data systems, and record retention procedures.

(d) When the only service provider that meets the criterion in paragraph (c), clause (1), has been decertified, according to subdivision 1a, in that local service unit, the following criteria shall be substituted: past experience in direct delivery of multiple, coordinated, nonduplicative services, including outreach, assessments, identification of client barriers, employability development plans, and provision or referral to support services.

Subd. 2.Decertification.

(a) The department, on its own initiative, or at the request of the local service unit, shall begin decertification processes for employment and training service providers who:

(1) no longer meet one or more of the certification standards;

(2) are delivering services in a manner that does not comply with the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, Public Law 104-193, or relevant state law after corrective actions have been cited, technical assistance has been provided, and a reasonable period of time for remedial action has been provided; or

(3) are not complying with other state and federal laws or policy which are necessary for effective delivery of services.

(b) The initiating of decertification processes shall not result in decertification of the service provider unless and until adequate fact-finding and investigation has been performed by the department.

Subd. 3.Enforcement.

The local service units shall provide for the enforcement of employment and training requirements for appropriate recipients of public assistance, and must include provisions for enforcing the requirements in any contracts with providers under subdivision 1.

116L.872 STATE FUNDING OF EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING PROGRAMS.

Subdivision 1.Available money.

The commissioner and local service units are not required to provide employment and training services that exceed the levels permitted by available federal, state, and local funds subject to the requirements or limitations of each program.

Subd. 2.Maintenance of effort.

A local service unit shall certify to the commissioner that it has not reduced funds from other federal, state, and county sources which would, in the absence of this section, have been available for employment and training services and child care services and related administrative costs.

116L.88 [Repealed, 2009 c 78 art 2 s 44]

116L.881 INDIAN TRIBE PLANS.

(a) The commissioner, in consultation with the commissioner of human services, shall review and comment on Indian tribe plans submitted to the commissioner for provision of employment and training services. Beginning April 15, 1991, and by April 15 of each second year thereafter, the Indian tribe shall prepare and submit to the commissioner a plan that covers the next two state fiscal years. Beginning April 15, 1992, and by April 15 of each second year thereafter, the Indian tribe shall prepare and submit to the commissioner an interim year plan update that deals with performance during the past state fiscal year and that covers changes anticipated for the second year of the biennium. The commissioner shall notify the Indian tribe of approval or disapproval of the plans and updates for existing programs within 60 days of submission.

(b) A plan for a new tribal program must be submitted at least 45 days before the program is to commence. The commissioner shall approve or disapprove the plan for new programs within 30 days of receipt.

(c) The tribal plan and update must contain information that has been established by the commissioner and the commissioner of human services for the tribal employment and training service program.

(d) The commissioner may recommend to the commissioner of human services withholding the distribution of employment and training money from a tribe whose plan or update is disapproved by the commissioner or a tribe that does not submit a plan or update by the date established in this section.

116L.96 DISPLACED HOMEMAKER PROGRAMS.

The commissioner of employment and economic development may enter into arrangements with existing private or nonprofit organizations and agencies with experience in dealing with displaced homemakers to provide counseling and training services. The commissioner shall assist displaced homemakers in applying for appropriate welfare programs and shall take welfare allowances received into account in setting the stipend level. Income received as a stipend under these programs shall be totally disregarded for purposes of determining eligibility for and the amount of a general assistance grant.

116L.976 EARLY WARNING SYSTEM.

Subdivision 1.Notice.

(a) The commissioner shall encourage those business establishments considering a decision to effect a plant closing, substantial layoff, or relocation of operations located in this state to give notice of that decision as early as possible to the commissioner, the employees of the affected establishment, any employee organization representing the employees, and the local government unit in which the affected establishment is located. This notice shall be in addition to any notice required under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, United States Code, title 29, section 2101.

(b) For purposes of this section, "plant closing" means the announced or actual permanent or temporary shutdown of a single site of employment, or one or more facilities or operating units within a single site of employment, if the shutdown results in an employment loss at the single site of employment during any 30-day period for 50 or more employees excluding employees who work less than 20 hours per week.

Subd. 2.Employer responsibility.

An employer providing notice of a plant closing, substantial layoff, or relocation of operations under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, United States Code, title 29, section 2101, or under subdivision 1 must report to the commissioner the names, addresses, and occupations of the employees who will be or have been terminated.

116L.98 WORKFORCE PROGRAM OUTCOMES.

The commissioner shall develop and implement a set of standard approaches for assessing the outcomes of workforce programs under this chapter. The outcomes assessed must include, but are not limited to, periodic comparisons of workforce program participants and nonparticipants.

The commissioner shall also monitor the activities and outcomes of programs and services funded by legislative appropriations and administered by the department on a pass-through basis and develop a consistent and equitable method of assessing recipients for the costs of its monitoring activities.

Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes