MN SF1640

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 to children ages three and older whose family income is at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty level, with eligibility verified through free and reduced-price lunch programs, Head Start, Minnesota Family Investment Program, or child care assistance programs.

Sets scholarship amounts based on annual child care market rate surveys adjusted for inflation, with amounts varying by child's level of need and geographic location and designed to layer with other assistance programs.

Requires scholarship recipients to complete development screening within 45 days of first attending an eligible program; siblings of scholarship recipients must receive scholarships if attending the same program; recipients continue receiving scholarships until kindergarten enrollment or age six.

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.