MN HF3605

Appropriates $519,000 from the general fund in fiscal year 2019 to the Commissioner of Employment and Economic Development for grants to local communities to increase child care providers and support economic development.

Requires at least 60 percent of grant funds to go to communities located outside the seven-county metropolitan area.

Grant recipients must obtain a 50 percent nonstate match to grant funds in either cash or in-kind contributions.

Eligible uses of grant funds include child care business start-ups or expansions, training, facility modifications for licensing, and assistance with licensing and regulatory requirements, with priority given to communities with documented child care provider shortages.

Grant recipients must report to the commissioner within one year on outcomes including number of new providers, child care provider jobs created, additional child care slots, and local funds invested; commissioner must report annually to the legislature starting January 15, 2020.