Jobs and Economic Growth budget prioritizes stability—provides business and economic recovery for all of Minnesota

The Minnesota Senate today with overwhelming bipartisan support passed the Jobs and Economic Growth bill authored by Committee Chair Senator Eric Pratt (R-Prior Lake). The bill prioritizes economic recovery for the entire state and helping Minnesotans get back to work, without adding new burdens or regulations that would hinder small business from recreating jobs. Senate File 9 focuses on economic recovery; workforce training and business development services; and addresses the shortage of childcare in many communities.   

“This bill has one goal in mind: to devote equal efforts and resources to recovery efforts for both small businesses and the people in the workforce,” Pratt said. “Our state has faced one of the most challenging years in recent history, and I’m proud to say this budget focuses on removing barriers to employment and getting people trained today for the jobs of tomorrow. The bipartisan effort to get this bill done was tremendous, and I’m happy that the agreed-upon language is 100% focused on helping ALL Minnesotans work towards economic recovery.”   

“Our economy has been tested like never before in the last year,” Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka (R- East Gull Lake) said. “The bill we agreed to and passed today makes vital investments to recover our economy, get people back to work, and help employers across the state do what they do best. And it accomplishes this without the burden of expensive mandates that would slow our economic recovery.”  

Key provisions in the bill include the following: 

  • Provides key investments in the state’s growing workforce 
  • Creation of the Main Street Economic Revitalization Program and the Main Street COVID19 Relief programs to assist businesses statewide faced with financial hardship 
  • Expands options for individuals to receive Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits while simultaneously receiving workforce training services 
  • Expansion of workplace accommodations for pregnant and nursing mothers   
  • Removal of provision that makes high school students ineligible for Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits 
  • Inclusion of the “Wedding Barn Bill” to safeguard smaller venues from expensive regulations

Notably, this bill does not include burdensome mandates, expensive new programs, or excessive regulations on businesses. The legislation now heads to the House for a final vote, before heading to the Governor for a final signature.