This bill establishes a biennial budget for workforce, labor, and economic development in Minnesota, allocating funds to various state agencies, including the Department of Employment and Economic Development and the Department of Labor and Industry. It specifies funding for programs focused on business development, small business assistance, child care support, and workforce development initiatives, including grants to enhance child care services and support rural communities. The bill introduces new legal language that ensures appropriations for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 are available until expended, mandates reporting requirements for grant recipients, and repeals certain existing statutes to streamline the legislative framework.

Additionally, the bill includes a range of appropriations aimed at supporting historically disenfranchised communities, with specific funding for job training programs, entrepreneurial support, and initiatives targeting diverse populations. It emphasizes the importance of community engagement and matching funds to maximize the impact of state investments. The bill also amends existing laws to allow for retroactive funding applications and modifies the availability of funds to ensure they remain accessible until spent. Overall, the bill aims to foster economic growth, reduce disparities in access to employment and training resources, and enhance economic opportunities across Minnesota.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 326B.103, 326B.184, 326B.31, 326B.33, 326B.37, 326B.49, 326B.986, 327.31, 327.32, 327.33, 327.34, 327.35, 327B.01, 327B.03, 327B.04, 327B.041, 327B.042, 327B.05, 327B.06, 327B.08, 327B.09, 327B.10, 327B.11, 327B.12, 177.253, 177.254
1st Engrossment: 116J.431, 116J.8733, 116J.8752, 116L.03, 116L.04, 116L.05, 116L.562, 116L.98, 116U.05, 116U.06, 116U.15, 116U.30, 116U.35, 248.07, 469.54, 177.27, 181.211, 181.988, 326B.0981, 326B.198, 326B.31, 326B.33