Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to support workforce development by providing financial resources for a child care pilot program intended to aid in the retention of law enforcement officers and first responders in Hennepin County, Minnesota.

Main Provisions

• Grant to Hennepin County Sheriff's Office: The bill allocates $1,000,000 from the workforce development fund for a grant to the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office.
• Child Care Pilot Program: This grant will fund a pilot program in partnership with WomenVenture to establish a group of child care providers. These providers will specifically cater to the needs of the minor children of law enforcement and first responders, accommodating irregular work hours and shift work.
• Pilot Program Objectives: The program aims to:
  • Enhance recruitment and retention of law enforcement and first responders by providing needed child care services.
  • Provide technical support, facilitate loan accessibility, and assist in business plan development for child care providers.
  • Conduct geographic needs assessments and subsidize startup and training costs.
  • Offer scholarships to participating families to make child care more affordable.

Significant Changes

• Financial Appropriation: This is a one-time allocation of funds available until June 30, 2027.
• Reporting Requirement: By December 1, 2027, the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office is required to submit a report summarizing the use of the funds and offering recommendations for future child care programs tailored to enhance recruitment and retention efforts for law enforcement and first responders.

Relevant Terms

child care, workforce development, law enforcement retention, first responders, Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, WomenVenture, pilot program, employment and economic development, scholarships, technical support.