Agenda - Council - 02/08/2021 - Laserfiche WebLink

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factor for this disparity in unemployment rates. In addition, while early work experience is a leading predictor of future success in a workplace, recent statistics from BLS show that the youth unemployment rate for 16-19 year olds is three times that of the unemployment rate for the state as a whole. Incumbent worker training and education must be an important component of Minnesota's efforts to improve workforce readiness. By making firms and employees more competitive, incumbent worker training can increase wages, increase employment opportunities, fill skilled worker gaps, and keep jobs and employers in their communities. The Minnesota Job Skills Partnership is one proven tool that provides training to thousands of incumbent workers each year. Response: The Legislature should: a) Fully fund the Minnesota Job Skills Partnership and other workforce training programs administered by the Department of Employment and Economic Development, the Department of Human Services, and the various education agencies; b) Provide additional flexible funding to local workforce councils, including governments and educational facilities, for the purpose of upgrading the skills and productivity of the workforce, and pursue additional creative programming and funding to prepare and place underemployed and unemployed Minnesotans, as well as address the issue of those phasing out of the workplace and retiring; c) Provide additional funding for programs specifically designed to address youth employment such as career and workforce readiness programs, and employment disparities; and 88 d) Continue to support cities that provide workforce programs that are coordinated with and complement state and regional efforts by seeking municipal approval before making any changes to those service areas. LE-25. Business Development Programs Issue: Programs such as the Minnesota Investment Fund (MIF), the Job Creation Fund (JCF), the Redevelopment Program, and contaminated site clean-up grants provide funding opportunities for communities and businesses to develop their local and regional economies. These well - utilized programs create infrastructure, revitalize property, and help businesses generate and expand jobs. Cities are key facilitators in the implementation of economic development strategies through land use and other policies. Response: The League of Minnesota Cities supports continued and sustainable funding for the Minnesota Investment Fund and the Job Creation Fund to assist local communities and businesses in creating, growing, and retaining jobs. DEED should solicit input from cities about how best to implement the Fund, and make adjustments to the administration of the program as necessary. The League supports Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) studying and making recommendations on methods to improve the geographic balance of recipients, by allowing the use of additional evaluation criteria beyond the current job creation goal such as providing higher -wage jobs or achieving racial equity policy goals. that would allow all regions of the state to better prosper.