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For example, data from the Bureau of Labor <br />Statistics (BLS) indicate that black <br />unemployment rates are consistently two to <br />three times higher than the unemployment <br />rates of white Minnesotans and studies <br />indicate that hiring bias is a substantial <br />factor for this disparity in unemployment <br />rates. In addition, while early work <br />experience is a leading predictor of future <br />success in a workplace, recent statistics from <br />BLS show that the youth unemployment rate <br />for 16-19 year olds is three times that of the <br />unemployment rate for the state as a whole. <br />Incumbent worker training and education <br />must be an important component of <br />Minnesota's efforts to improve workforce <br />readiness. By making firms and employees <br />more competitive, incumbent worker <br />training can increase wages, increase <br />employment opportunities, fill skilled <br />worker gaps, and keep jobs and employers <br />in their communities. The Minnesota Job <br />Skills Partnership is one proven tool that <br />provides training to thousands of incumbent <br />workers each year. <br />Response: The Legislature should: <br />a) Fully fund the Minnesota Job Skills <br />Partnership and other workforce <br />training programs administered by <br />the Department of Employment and <br />Economic Development, the <br />Department of Human Services, and <br />the various education agencies; <br />b) Provide additional flexible funding to <br />local workforce councils, including <br />governments and educational <br />facilities, for the purpose of upgrading <br />the skills and productivity of the <br />workforce, and pursue additional <br />creative programming and funding to <br />prepare and place underemployed <br />and unemployed Minnesotans, as well <br />as address the issue of those phasing <br />out of the workplace and retiring; <br />c) Provide additional funding for <br />programs specifically designed to <br />address youth employment such as <br />career and workforce readiness <br />programs, and employment <br />disparities; and <br />d) Continue to support cities that <br />provide workforce programs that are <br />coordinated with and complement <br />state and regional efforts by seeking <br />municipal approval before making <br />any changes to those service areas. <br />LE-23. Business Development <br />Programs <br />Issue: Programs such as the Minnesota <br />Investment Fund (MIF), the Job Creation <br />Fund (JCF), the Redevelopment Program, <br />and contaminated site clean-up grants <br />provide funding opportunities for <br />communities and businesses to develop their <br />local and regional economies. These well - <br />utilized programs create infrastructure, <br />revitalize property, and help businesses <br />generate and expand jobs. Cities are key <br />facilitators in the implementation of <br />economic development strategies through <br />land use and other policies. <br />Response: The League of Minnesota <br />Cities supports sustainable funding for <br />the Minnesota Investment Fund and the <br />Job Creation Fund to assist local <br />communities and businesses in creating, <br />growing, and retaining jobs. <br />The League supports the continuation of <br />the Minnesota Job Creation Fund by the <br />Legislature. DEED should solicit input <br />from cities about how best to implement <br />the Fund, and make adjustments to the <br />administration of the program as <br />necessary. The League supports <br />Department of Employment and <br />Economic Development (DEED) studying <br />and making recommendations on <br />League of Minnesota Cities <br />2018 City Policies Page 66 <br />