MN HF1058

Establishes an early learning scholarship program administered by the Office of Early Learning in consultation with the Minnesota Departments of Education, Human Services, and Health.

Provides scholarships for children age three to five whose family income is at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty level, with income verification available through existing public assistance programs.

Allows scholarship recipients to attend eligible rated programs (one to four stars under the quality rating system), prospective programs working toward rating, Head Start programs, school readiness programs, and licensed child care facilities.

Requires scholarships to continue until a child enrolls in kindergarten or turns six years old, and mandates siblings of scholarship recipients be awarded scholarships if attending the same program.

Appropriates $78,000,000 for fiscal year 2014 and $105,000,000 for fiscal year 2015, with a base appropriation of $150,000,000 for fiscal year 2016 and beyond.