MN HF4071

Appropriates $1,000,000 in fiscal year 2019 from the general fund to the commissioner of employment and economic development for grants to local communities to increase child care provider supply.

Requires at least 60 percent of grant funds be directed to communities outside the seven-county metropolitan area, with grant recipients obtaining a 50 percent nonstate match in cash or in-kind contributions.

Allows grant funds to support child care business start-up or expansion, training, facility modifications or improvements for licensing, and assistance with licensing and regulatory requirements, with priority given to communities with documented child care shortages.

Requires grant recipients to report within one year on outcomes including number of new providers, additional child care provider jobs created, additional child care slots, and local funds invested.

Requires the commissioner to report annually to legislative committees with jurisdiction over child care and economic development beginning January 1, 2020, on program outcomes.