Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to support workforce development in Southeast Minnesota, particularly in Steele County and surrounding areas like Owatonna, by providing funding for training and employment services. The goal is to assist individuals with barriers to employment and address local worker shortages.

Main Provisions

• The bill allocates $275,000 annually in fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from the workforce development fund for grants to Workforce Development Inc. This funding is meant for career planning, training, job skills advancement, and supportive services.
• Grants are intended to assist individuals in overcoming employment barriers and help families build stable economic pathways.
• The funds are also aimed at conducting employer outreach to tackle workforce challenges directly.
• Money from the grant can be used for hiring staff, renting spaces, and offering supportive services such as covering course fees, providing child care, transportation, and other incentives for completing training.
• Up to 5% of the grant can support administrative costs for Workforce Development Inc.

Significant Changes

• This bill introduces targeted financial support for workforce development in high-demand career areas, specifically for individuals facing employment challenges in the specified region.
• The bill mandates a detailed annual report by the commissioner of employment and economic development to legislative committees, ensuring accountability and transparency.

Reporting Requirements

• The commissioner must report annually to legislative committees on the grant's use and administration, with additional filing required to the Legislative Reference Library.
• Workforce Development Inc. must provide the necessary information to complete the report.

Relevant Terms

workforce development, Southeast Minnesota, Steele County, Owatonna, career training, employment barriers, worker shortages, grant funding, supportive services, economic pathways, administrative costs.