MN HF2701

Establishes an early childhood care and learning community hub planning and implementation grant program under Minnesota Statutes section 124D.152 to develop coordinated systems supporting children ages birth to five years.

Community hubs must coordinate access to early care and education services, physical and mental health services, stable housing, parent support and career services, and high-quality affordable child care.

Commissioner of Education shall develop a request for proposals process with specific requirements including local stakeholder participation, alignment with public schools and health systems, transparent budgeting, and a community advisory body with majority parent representation.

Grant awards must allocate 60 percent of funds to school districts with 50 percent or more students eligible for federal free and reduced-price lunch, with remaining 40 percent available to other applicants across economic development regions.

Appropriates unspecified amount from general fund in fiscal year 2018 to the commissioner for the grant program; effective July 1, 2017, with commissioner evaluation and recommendations due to legislature by January 15, 2019.