The Minnesota Senate today overwhelmingly approved a bipartisan Jobs and Economic Growth bill aimed at promoting business and economic recovery for all of Minnesota while strengthening economic stability without any additional burdens or regulations that would slow recovery efforts. Senate File 9 focuses on economic recovery; workforce training and business development services; and addresses the shortage of childcare in many communities.
“One of our government’s fundamental priorities is ensuring a robust, thriving economy,” said Senator Carla Nelson (R-Rochester). “These budget bills provide the resources to trigger incredible economic growth that will help small businesses, workers, and their families.
The bill also includes a $70 million investment in broadband development. The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of expanding broadband into underserved and unserved communities. This investment will help close those gaps.
Key provisions in the bill include the following:
- Funding for Bridges to Healthcare, the southeast Minnesota public-private partnership aimed at preparing individuals for careers in highly-skilled health care fields
- Funding for the Minnesota Initiative Foundations for grants to help sustain and increase the supply of childcare
- Workforce training for individuals who lost their job to help them prepare for the careers of today and tomorrow
- Funding for the FATHER project, which provides resources to help fathers overcome barriers and provide economic and emotional support for their children
- Funding for Boys and Girls Clubs
- 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
The legislation now heads to the House for a final vote, before heading to the Governor for a final signature.