Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

Minnesota Senate Bill SF1177

Introduced
2/2/23  

Caption

Workforce development provisions modifications; Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities appropriation for workforce for development

Impact

The bill modifies existing scholarship programs to expand eligibility to additional fields such as construction, education, and public safety, while also increasing the total lifetime awards that can be received by individual students from $7,500 to $12,000. It allows financial support for students enrolled in specific short-term certificate programs and introduces provisions to ensure that scholarships are available to those in financial need, thereby aiming to increase accessibility to education and training in high-demand areas.

Summary

SF1177 is a legislative act aimed at modifying workforce development provisions in higher education. The bill seeks to appropriate substantial funding to the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, which is intended to enhance the training and education of the state's workforce. Specifically, it involves an allocation of $50 million for fiscal years 2024 and 2025 for the purpose of workforce development, while also increasing the scholarship amounts available for students pursuing eligible programs of study.

Contention

However, the bill has sparked discussion regarding the prioritization of funding and the criteria for eligible fields of study, as differing opinions arise on which programs best address the state's workforce needs. Some stakeholders argue that the changes might not adequately reflect regional employment requirements or could overlook emerging industries. Furthermore, the inclusion of administrative costs within the allocated funds has raised concerns about the effective use of taxpayer dollars and the potential impact on direct educational funding.

Companion Bills

MN HF2842

Similar To Workforce development provisions modified, Board of Trustees of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities for workforce development funding provided, and money appropriated.

Similar Bills

MN HF2090

Default living and miscellaneous expenses allowance increased for the state grant program, new State Grant Plus scholarship established to supplement state grant awards, Office of Higher Education grant programs created, and money appropriated.

MN SF2495

Default living and miscellaneous expenses allowance for the state higher education grant program authorization; State Grant Plus scholarship to supplement state grant awards establishment; grant programs establishment within the Office of Higher Education; appropriating money

MN SF1479

Southwestern Minnesota workforce development scholarship pilot program establishment and appropriation

MN HF1704

Southwestern Minnesota workforce development scholarship pilot program established, report required, and money appropriated.

MN HF2842

Workforce development provisions modified, Board of Trustees of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities for workforce development funding provided, and money appropriated.

MN HF3681

Child care tax data; program to assist families with cost of child care established, disclosure of tax return information for purposes of verifying eligibility for early child care and learning benefits programs authorized, and money appropriated.

MN SF3790

Child care cost assistance program establishment; disclosure of tax return information for purposes of verifying eligibility for early child care and learning benefit programs authorization; appropriating money

MN SF2518

Workforce development scholarship program parameters modifications and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities various needs appropriation