HF1408

This bill proposes the establishment of a grant program to support community literacy initiatives in Minnesota. It appropriates funds from the general fund to the Department of Education for fiscal years 2025 and 2026, with each year allocated $10,000,000.

The grant money must be used to: 1. Develop and distribute literacy and grade-level guides to community organizations, schools, and libraries to support family literacy and align with the state's Read Act. 2. Create public awareness resources, including literacy toolkits for families. 3. Provide training to schools and community groups on using the literacy guides effectively. 4. Support afterschool pilot programs focused on evidence-based literacy strategies, prioritizing organizations with proven curricula and experience in professional development. 5. Offer coaching and mentoring for teachers trained under the Read Act to enhance literacy instruction, particularly for underserved communities.

The commissioner of education will implement a competitive grant process, prioritizing applications demonstrating expertise in literacy development. Up to $200,000 in fiscal year 2026 may be used for afterschool pilot programs.

This is a one-time appropriation and will be available until June 30, 2027.