Senate Republicans made job growth a top priority today announcing a comprehensive jobs bill that spends $208 million and boosts funding for the Minnesota Investment Fund, the Job Creation Fund and the Redevelopment Grant Program, and Extended Employment. The bill places a new emphasis on public-private partnerships proven to create jobs by eliminating direct appropriations in favor of competitive grants. Senate Republicans also commit another $20 million in broadband funding in an effort to prioritize unserved areas of Greater Minnesota.
Senate File 1937 includes funding for the Department of Employment and Economic Development, the Department of Labor and Industry, the Bureau of Mediation Services, the Worker’s Compensation Court of Appeals, IRRRB, Public Facilities Authority, and Destination Medical Center.
“This jobs bill focuses on public-private partnerships that promote job growth as well as economic and workforce development opportunities throughout the state of Minnesota,” said Sen. Jeremy Miller (R-Winona), Chair of the Senate Jobs and Economic Growth Committee. “This is a bipartisan effort to help businesses grow and communities prosper.”
“The Senate Republican jobs plan will Advance Minnesota’s productivity by making it easier for job creators to connect workers to growing industries,” added Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka. “This bill complements our proposals on tax relief and transportation funding, all working toward the same goal – advancing Minnesota’s economy.”
Key provisions of the Senate Jobs Bill include:
Border to Border Broadband $20 million targeted to broadband for unserved areas. In order to make the money available to more communities, the bill lowers the required match for unserved projects to 35 percent from 50 and the minimum grant from $5 million to $3 million.
Minnesota Investment Fund An additional $1.5 million is appropriated to the MIF for 2018-19, and $2.5 million in the next biennium.
Job Creation Fund An additional $1.5 million is appropriated to the Job Creation Fund each year.
Redevelopment Grant Program An additional $3 million is appropriated to the Redevelopment Grant Program for 2018-19, and $4 million for the next biennium.
Youth Skills Training Sen. Paul Anderson (R-Plymouth) bill to develop a youth skills training program to provide work-based training for student learners ages 16 and 17 with a focus on getting students engaged and interested in manufacturing jobs.
Helmets to Hardhats Sen. Mike Goggin (R-Red Wing) bill to provide funding to this national, nonprofit program that connects National Guard, Reserve, retired and transitioning active-duty military service members with skilled training and quality career opportunities in the construction industry.
North Market Sen. Bobby Joe Champion (DFL-Minneapolis) bill to partner with a non-profit to build a grocery store, health and wellness facility and community center in North Minneapolis.
Digi-Key Sen. Mark Johnson (R-East Grand Forks) proposal to provide grants and loans to this fast growing job creator in Thief River Falls to expand their product fulfilment and manufacturing center.
Senate File 1937 will be heard in the Senate Finance Committee on Monday, March 27 2017.