MN HF3957

Commissioner of employment and economic development shall award grants to nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations to establish programs providing, repairing, or maintaining motor vehicles for eligible individuals to obtain or maintain employment.

Grantees must offer at least one service (vehicle provision by gift/sale/lease, repair and maintenance, or loans) plus one supplementary service (financial literacy, budgeting education, car maintenance instruction, credit counseling, or job training).

Eligible participants must have household income at or below 200 percent of federal poverty level, be at least 18 years old, hold a valid driver's license, provide proof of motor vehicle insurance, and demonstrate need for a vehicle for employment.

Commissioner shall allocate grants equally to 15 nonprofit grantees to ensure program services available in every county statewide; grantees must track and report participant outcomes including job security, wages, credit scores, and access to financial services.

$4,500,000 one-time appropriation from general fund in fiscal year 2016 for the "Getting to Work" grant program, with commissioner reporting to legislature by February 15, 2017.