HF4818

Purpose

Provide a one-time funding boost to help economically disadvantaged students access high-demand careers. Specifically, the bill allocates money to support programs at the Minnesota Transportation Museum (MTM) that introduce students to careers in the railroad industry and skilled trades.

Main Provisions

• Amount and timing: A one-time appropriation of $500,000 in fiscal year 2027.
• Source: Funds come from the workforce development fund.
• Use and recipient: A grant from the commissioner of employment and economic development to the Minnesota Transportation Museum (MTM) to run and expand programming.
• Goals of the programming: Eliminate financial barriers and expand programming to expose economically disadvantaged students to high-demand careers in class I railroads and skilled trades such as welding, blacksmithing, carpentry, and other trades.
• Availability: The funds are available through June 30, 2028.

Administrative details

• Administration: The grant is provided by the commissioner of employment and economic development to MTM.
• Nature of the appropriation: This is a one-time (one-time) appropriation and does not imply ongoing funding.
• No changes to existing law: The bill does not appear to modify statutes beyond creating this one-time appropriation.

Timing and Availability

• Fiscal year: 2027.
• Deadline to use funds: June 30, 2028.

Impact and Significance

• Workforce and education: Supports workforce development by helping economically disadvantaged students gain exposure to and potentially pursue careers in railroading and skilled trades.
• Industry relevance: Targets high-demand sectors, including class I railroads and trades like welding, blacksmithing, and carpentry.
• Accessibility: Aims to reduce financial barriers that limit participation in career exploration and training opportunities.

Changes to Existing Law

• None noted: This act provides funding but does not appear to change statutory requirements or existing law beyond the appropriation.

Relevant Terms workforce development fund Minnesota Transportation Museum (MTM) commissioner of employment and economic development grant economically disadvantaged students high-demand careers class I railroads welding blacksmithing carpentry skilled trades one-time appropriation fiscal year 2027 June 30, 2028