1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to workforce development; allowing grants-in-aid to workforce 
1.3 	development intermediaries;amending Minnesota Statutes 2006, sections 
1.4 	116L.01, by adding a subdivision; 116L.04, subdivision 1a.
1.5 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.6 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 116L.01, is amended by adding a 
1.7 	subdivision to read:
1.8 		Subd. 4.Workforce development intermediaries. "Workforce development 
1.9 	intermediaries" means public, private, or nonprofit entities that provide employment 
1.10 	services to low-income individuals and have a demonstrated track record bringing together 
1.11 	employers and workers, private and public funding streams, and other stakeholders to 
1.12 	implement pathways to career advancement for low-income individuals. Entities may 
1.13 	include, but are not limited to, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, or the 
1.14 	administrative entity of a local workforce service area.

1.15 	Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 116L.04, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:
1.16 		Subd. 1a.Pathways program. The pathways program may provide grants-in-aid 
1.17 	for developing programs which assist in the transition of persons from welfare to work and 
1.18 	assist individuals at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. The program 
1.19 	is to be operated by the board. The board shall consult and coordinate with program 
1.20 	administrators at the Department of Employment and Economic Development to design 
1.21 	and provide services for temporary assistance for needy families recipients.
1.22 	Pathways grants-in-aid may be awarded to educational or other nonprofit training 
1.23 	institutions or to workforce development intermediaries for education and training 
2.1 	programs and services supporting education and training programs that serve eligible 
2.2 	recipients.
2.3 	Preference shall be given to projects that:
2.4 	(1) provide employment with benefits paid to employees;
2.5 	(2) provide employment where there are defined career paths for trainees;
2.6 	(3) pilot the development of an educational pathway that can be used on a continuing 
2.7 	basis for transitioning persons from welfare to work; and
2.8 	(4) demonstrate the active participation of Department of Employment and 
2.9 	Economic Development workforce centers, Minnesota State College and University 
2.10 	institutions and other educational institutions, and local welfare agencies.
2.11 	Pathways projects must demonstrate the active involvement and financial 
2.12 	commitment of private business. Pathways projects must be matched with cash or in-kind 
2.13 	contributions on at least a one-to-one one-half-to-one ratio by participating private 
2.14 	business.
2.15 	A single grant to any one institution shall not exceed $400,000. A portion of a grant 
2.16 	may be used for preemployment training.