Bill > SF2505

This bill appropriates $4 million ($2 million in fiscal years 2026 and 2027) to the Center for African Immigrants and Refugees Organization (CAIRO) to implement the Gateways2Growth Initiative, a comprehensive workforce development program targeting three key sectors: information technology, transportation, and healthcare. The initiative aims to address workforce shortages and provide training opportunities for underserved communities, including immigrants, refugees, and rural populations. The program will focus on expanding access to training in full-stack development, cybersecurity, and business analysis in IT; commercial driver's license (CDL) training to address transportation industry shortages; and healthcare professional training for roles like certified nursing assistants and phlebotomists. CAIRO is required to distribute grant proceeds equally between metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas, with priority given to individuals seeking career transitions, reskilling, or entry into high-demand fields. The bill mandates annual reporting to the legislature, detailing participant enrollment, employment outcomes, wage growth, regional distribution, and recommendations for program expansion. The commissioner of employment and economic development will oversee the program's transparency and accountability, with success measured by metrics such as total program graduates, average wage growth, retention rates, and reduction in workforce shortages.

Labor and Employment

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF2505&ssn=0&y=2025