MN SF4094

Appropriates $10,000,000 in fiscal year 2021 from the general fund to the commissioner of employment and economic development for grants to local communities to increase child care providers.

Requires 50 percent of grant funds to be distributed to communities located outside the seven-county metropolitan area.

Grant recipients must secure a 50 percent nonstate match in cash or in-kind contributions, with funds usable for child care business start-ups, expansion, training, facility modifications, employee retention subsidies, and licensing improvements.

Commissioner must prioritize awarding grants to communities that have demonstrated a shortage of child care providers.

Grant recipients must report outcomes within one year, including the number of new providers, jobs created, additional child care slots, and local funds invested.