MN HF4667

Establishes a grant program for students working as home care workers, requiring enrollment in a two- or four-year degree program, minimum average of ten hours per week home care work, and satisfactory academic progress, with grants up to $5,000 per academic year based on available funding.

Creates a home care worker loan forgiveness program account to provide up to five years of annual loan repayment assistance to home care workers employed at least three hours per week who have qualified education loans and reside in Minnesota.

Requires the Office of Higher Education commissioner to notify grant recipients by October 15 (fall), February 1 (spring), and July 1 (summer) of award amounts and to submit annual reports by February 15 detailing applicant numbers, grant amounts, and outcome data to legislative committees.

Appropriates funding from the general fund for fiscal year 2025 for home care worker grants with up to five percent allowed for program administration, and transfers additional funding to establish the loan forgiveness program account with the same administrative allowance.

Defines "home care worker" as an individual providing in-home, nonprofessional long-term services to older adults or persons with disabilities funded through medical assistance programs including home and community-based waivers and essential community supports.