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LABOR ISSUES JOBS PROGRAM The program, which is geared toward generating work for the unemployed in both the public and private sector, has been alloted $70 million to subsidize employment throughout the state. Up to $4 per hour and up to $1 per hour in fringe benefits may be used to pay each full-time emp1uyee for 26 weeks. The hourly wage may be increased with the employer's own funds. Businesses taking part in the project are required to pay back 70% of the funds received. The program is expecte~ to be operational by July 1, 1983. More information is available at local state employment offices or the Department of Economic Security. JOBS SKILL PARTNERSHIP Depressed economic conditions have had an especially negative impact on certain industries -- to the point that meaningful recovery is unlikely. Those workers are the target of legislation to refit them with new job skills. A job partnership account of $1.5 million under the direction of a newly created Minnesota Jobs Skill Partnership Board will be used to finance retraining programs~. Private employers, schools and other non-profit organizations will work together with the Board to develop job training programs utilizing matching grants, personnel or equipment. The Board may also accept federal job training funds, grants or gifts and will 'sunset' in four years. Hopefully, the need for this service will be alleviated by that time. IRON RANGE JOBS PROGRAM The Distressed Area Emergency Job Program which was created during a 1982 special session was broadened to'allow a portion of its funds to be expended 'for job retraining programs in conjunction with the original public works jobs program on the economically distressed Iron Range. The funds come from the Northeast Protection Trust Fund's (2002 Fund) interest earnings and will remain available for the jobs and retraining programs until exhausted. A second related bill made administrative changes in the 2002.Fund. The fund's administration is transferred to the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Commission and its board. The Board of Trustees of the NE Economic Protection Trust was abolished. MPLS.-ST. PAUL JOB TRAINING To counter unemployment among blacks, females and other minorities in the building and construction trades,' $250,000 is designated for the job training activities of the St. Paul Urban League's labor education advancement program. ~he funds will be disbursed through the Commissioner of Labor and Industry. Recruitment, training and placement of minorities in apprenticeships is the primary focus of the program. - 16 -