[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_25":26},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_27":28,"_29":30},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[31,75,87],{"_32":33,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":39,"_40":41,"_42":43,"_44":45,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6351550,"mediaKeyId","2229965-1578d06381aa15c60c9eacac15689b13","parentId",2229965,"title","Sen. Liz Bolden seeks to maintain funding for Bridges to Healthcare workforce program","audioSeconds",1043,"startMs",261000,"endMs",1304000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2229965-1578d06381aa15c60c9eacac15689b13&start=261&end=1304","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2229965-1578d06381aa15c60c9eacac15689b13/thumbnail_261000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6351550/Minnesota/Sen-Liz-Bolden-seeks-to-maintain-funding-for-Bridges-to-Healthcare-workforce-program","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6351550-a37efd61f67432465788d671d343dcc6/orig.mp4?Expires=1769769076&Signature=ec6arWVSf6xq6CfOON-zFtDyacR3WgjuTY0lcx3hIL~lOQp~BiHkY8qqAQm1b~SgMjKSrOLAiOIhluZwMt7IetporO5mO9nCFaYXnKTf07uM6WIWK5NPQjNZY~dsWATa49RRAC~5X7ciaC5ewqusVIFexBrRlwIfUMrAUjDhshi~NXVtbUri6yZdkXyGWtL0yCW-xKjOV6soZ9yIJW6xMCiXdgRuVLnVG5rFQ9ZcheqD88ssNy91MCH3bd3KDBRxiQsQs5qRlD3sz5lPemI6dOCT0G4wfU6eOeuM94a8fjql5SmOhVJDcYS-AIFVTCU6NI9P1Hv1r70do2A5a8RuZw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Minnesota Senate","date","2025-02-05T04:39:29Z","article","Senator Liz Bolden (Rochester) introduced Senate File 365 on Feb. 5, asking the Committee on Jobs and Economic Development to preserve existing Workforce Development Fund support for Bridges to Healthcare, a public–private program that trains nontraditional students for health-care jobs.

The bill would maintain the program’s current state funding level. Bolden described Bridges to Healthcare as “an innovative program” launched in Rochester that has expanded into Albert Lea, Austin, Faribault, Owatonna, Red Wing and Winona. She said the program supports students who are older, first-generation, or English-language learners and helps them obtain credentials ranging from certified nursing assistant and phlebotomy to registered nursing.

Ginny Rittman, executive director for workforce development at Workforce Development Inc., told the committee the program serves a high-demand sector and currently operates in eight counties. Rittman said the program previously received $750,000 each year of the last biennium from the Workforce Development Fund and requested the committee maintain that level. She provided program metrics: a cost per student of $3,608, private funding covering roughly 25% of the budget, and an annual program cost just over $1 million with expansion efforts underway.

Rittman told the committee the program already serves more than 300 students per year and estimated serving about 420 students this year. She said about 80% of hires from Bridges to Healthcare are ethnically diverse and roughly 60% of placements are in understaffed long‑term care facilities. Student speaker Gislain Yamobe testified that the program financed CNA and TMA training, tuition and car repairs that made clinical attendance possible; Yamobe described academic recognition at school following that support.

Committee members asked about eligibility definitions and administrative costs. Rittman said Bridges uses Department of Employment and Economic Development eligibility criteria under the adult career pathways umbrella; she listed typical participant characteristics as low income, basic skills needs and English language learners. Rittman also said up to 5% of grantee proceeds may be used for administrative costs and that space rental is included in that administration cap; she gave a budget breakdown saying about 49% of funds go to direct career services and 30% to training.

Chair and members concluded by laying Senate File 365 over for possible inclusion in the committee’s package. No final appropriation or vote on funding occurred in the committee meeting.

Ending: The measure was laid over so the committee can consider it during later budget and package deliberations; the author and program representatives said they will continue to provide details on eligibility, administration and performance if the file moves forward.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Committee on Jobs and Economic Development - 02/05/25","oneSentenceSummary","Senator Liz Bolden (Rochester) introduced Senate File 365 on Feb. 5, asking the Committee on Jobs and Economic Development to preserve existing Workforce Development Fund support for Bridges to Healthcare, a public–private program that trains nontraditional students for health-care jobs.","taxTitle","Jobs and Economic Development, Senate, Committees, Legislative, Minnesota","taxId",15749,"location","Minnesota","headline","","shortSummary",{"_32":76,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":77,"_40":78,"_42":79,"_44":80,"_46":81,"_48":82,"_50":83,"_52":84,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":85,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":86,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6351541,"Sen. Draheim seeks to prioritize 'high‑wage, high‑demand' careers in competitive job‑training grants",677,1895000,2572000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2229965-1578d06381aa15c60c9eacac15689b13&start=1895&end=2572","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2229965-1578d06381aa15c60c9eacac15689b13/thumbnail_1895000.jpg","/articles/6351541/Minnesota/Sen-Draheim-seeks-to-prioritize-highwage-highdemand-careers-in-competitive-jobtraining-grants","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6351541-26fbbc77fdb70c0a4eae4f5ceb282a8b/orig.mp4?Expires=1769769076&Signature=ZiYeAotKCXP2c2aNPQ9ozaFse-erLrHqkQR-OjVJNlSs3RneIFGLyrbc7dRMy2rlS1tjtQWQ45stwgIw~p6q2U2kiBD9pe5-bT7meQg3x-ovv5qx39SKlPg~hmzydhN34WZwTEQPG7s68MRfmm9npRGB7i03SXglQu-hQHm-WZ6~J~oUUncPETQO4Fw5vAtA~0k2JUZXpvpppVGxbWdlGc4m6SPurq0XVbPcij62Y7AgcC79Q1DPkuKkXkeE0PzxbR1xIAGoeWPVm8aUcX-M2NbxwwFqjeMbJTn4KkQ0bKZNnCnk2ZDy7qcNAboAUhBuBhG53jKhkLzHLoiL4ljPkw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senator Gene Draheim presented Senate File 221, a bill that would require the commissioner to focus competitive job‑training grant awards on occupations defined in statute as “high wage, high demand.”

Draheim said the proposal responds to tighter budgets and is intended to concentrate limited public funds on occupations that lead to career‑path, higher‑paying jobs. Committee members questioned whether prioritizing high‑wage, high‑demand careers could disadvantage people seeking shorter, employer‑led training or entry‑level positions such as daycare workers. Draheim referenced the statutory language (noted in the hearing as “1 16 L. 0.99” and related definitions) used in prior committee discussions to determine the program definitions.

Supporters and committee members emphasized a need to balance funding for certificate and short‑term employer‑led training while ensuring resources reach occupations with higher wage and demand metrics. Draheim said the bill was intended to push priorities toward career paths without excluding other workforce programs.

Committee action: Senate File 221 was laid over for possible inclusion for further dialogue on definitions, data and balance between short‑term training and career‑path occupations.","Senate File 221 would direct the commissioner to prioritize competitive job‑training grants toward occupations described as 'high wage, high demand,' the bill sponsor told the committee on Feb. 5.",{"_32":88,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":89,"_40":90,"_42":91,"_44":92,"_46":93,"_48":94,"_50":95,"_52":96,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":97,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":98,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6351546,"Lawmakers push to bolster BDPI grants for Greater Minnesota infrastructure",356,1210000,1566000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2229965-1578d06381aa15c60c9eacac15689b13&start=1210&end=1566","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2229965-1578d06381aa15c60c9eacac15689b13/thumbnail_1210000.jpg","/articles/6351546/Minnesota/Lawmakers-push-to-bolster-BDPI-grants-for-Greater-Minnesota-infrastructure","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6351546-f8301e4e9c4a74258c8a7ac32bd9d5d9/orig.mp4?Expires=1769769076&Signature=OtkHxZ5aEUiH85QQ0FeUq3RHoza1PzEVYGEykQDewA7LKNkjLBcfClfVxfj-XNOpKn2CJuXWqFdLjtEtZndTAMsie-rAvVivDRThmaoXQZpJviIsT3~cazOKpAMDkre-UgKAFB1aBupGABXnhPOFSiGvlHL4qIZobe7yfRVKUDs~nfZOM5ZKbxMANnue57~3vC6jLTdVuPAkb0IJAm11DRJBe2bJXlXFXUA8h~OzEKNdevXKmy8kGrA1wpDFbuOzg2eWsGql2wgjXcelQ25ed5MHlkOd~b3vJTOp55fCMYa-DPKp5UcMppyy2bf0RmxMFFNaz9i4XNUAR~WS78Ki0w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senator Mark Jasinski presented Senate File 582 to request an increase in General Fund support for the Greater Minnesota Business Development Public Infrastructure (BDPI) program, which provides 50–50 matching grants to help cities and counties extend infrastructure for economic development.

Jasinski said the bill would add $2.5 million in fiscal year 2026 and $2.5 million in 2027, noting DEED and program partners reported a roughly $5 million balance that is largely committed to projects on the queue. Eric Simonson, testifying for program partners, told the committee that since 2010 BDPI has awarded about $75 million across 167 grants, creating more than 5,000 jobs and retaining nearly 10,000. He argued general‑fund support helps bridge gaps when capital investment (bonding) measures are uncertain.

Darryl Dannen of the Greater Minnesota Partnership described BDPI as critical for rural economic development and said the governor’s budget proposed cutting BDPI space funding. Committee members acknowledged BDPI’s record but noted the program already receives base funding and questioned whether adding money to the base during a tight budget cycle is appropriate.

Members laid Senate File 582 over for possible inclusion; no final appropriation occurred in the hearing.

Ending: Supporters urged maintaining or increasing BDPI funding to keep projects moving; the committee tabled the bill for later consideration.","Senate File 582 would add general‑fund dollars to the Greater Minnesota Business Development Public Infrastructure (BDPI) program; supporters said the program has funded 167 grants since 2010 and that a $5 million pipeline will soon exhaust the fund balance, while opponents warned about duplication and base funding.","actionData","errors"]

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Sen. Liz Bolden seeks to maintain funding for Bridges to Healthcare workforce program

Sen. Draheim seeks to prioritize 'high‑wage, high‑demand' careers in competitive job‑training grants

Lawmakers push to bolster BDPI grants for Greater Minnesota infrastructure