HF2976 Summary

• Appropriates $38.35 million to Department of Employment and Economic Development in fiscal year 2015 for broadband infrastructure grants ($25 million), business development initiatives, workforce programs, and establishment of Office of Regenerative Medicine Development ($450,000).

• Appropriates $275,000 to Department of Labor and Industry in fiscal year 2015 for labor education advancement program ($250,000) to support women entering apprenticeships and precision manufacturing/health care services pilot programs ($25,000).

• Creates Border-to-Border Broadband Development Grant Program under Minnesota Statutes chapter 116J to award grants for broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas, with priority given to unserved areas.

• Establishes Office of Regenerative Medicine Development to provide business development services for regenerative medicine projects; office expires June 30, 2024.

• Modifies workforce program outcome measurement requirements, creates new employee training partnership with employer rebates up to $3,000-$4,000 per employee, and establishes apprenticeship pilot programs in precision manufacturing, health care services, and information technology.