STATE OF MINNESOTA TENTH MEETING
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES NINETY-FOURTH SESSION
WORKFORCE, LABOR, AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FINANCE AND POLICY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
Representative Baker, Chair of the Workforce, Labor and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee, called the meeting to order at 8:18AM on Tuesday, March 4th, 2025, in the G3 Room of the Capitol.
Representative Mekeland moved the minutes for Thursday February 27th, 2025, to be approved. THE MOTION PREVAILED.
A Quorum was present.
Members present:
BAKER, Dave Chair
MEKELAND, Shane Vice-Chair
BAKEBERG, Ben
BERG, Kaela
FRAZIER, Cedrick
GREENMAN, Emma
JOHNSON, Pete
JOHNSON, Wayne
KOZLOWSKI, Liish
MUELLER, Patricia
SCHULTZ, Isaac
ZELEZNIKAR, Natalie
Non-voting member present:
PINTO, Dave, Minority Lead
Members Excused:
HUSSEIN, Samakab
The committee heard testimony from bill author, Representative Thomas Sexton, regarding H.F.1004-Minnesota Helmets to Hardhats program appropriation.
Testifiers also included:
Stephan Stangle, United Brotherhood of Carpenters, Veteran
Just Root, Helmet to Hardhats Executive Director, Veteran
H.F. 1004 was laid over for future consideration.
The committee hear testimony from bill author, Representative Ben Bakeberg, regarding H.F. 1439- Minnesota Grocers Association Foundation grant funding provided for Carts to Careers.
Testifiers also included:
Steve Barthel, MGA, Director of Government Relations
Kendra Nathe, Teals Market, Assistant Manager/Grocery Manager
Andrew Akhaphong, Mackenthun’s Fine Foods, Registered Dietician
H.F. 1439 was laid over for future consideration.
The committee heard testimony from bill author, Representative Esther Abadje regarding H.F.498-Urban League Twin Cities grant funding provided.
Testifiers also included:
Joi Jones, Urban League Twin Cities
Willie Williams, Urban League Participant
H.F. 498 was laid over for future consideration.
The committee heard testimony from bill author, Representative Dan Wolgamott, regarding H.F. 1326- Centers for independent living grants funding provided.
Testifiers also included:
Jesse Bethke Gomez, Director, Metropolitan Center for Independent Living Center
Cpl. Jon Schneider, Veteran and former client, Access North Center for Independent Living.
Carol LaFleur, Former Client, Metropolitan Center for Independent Living.
H.F. 1326 was laid over for future consideration.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 AM.
Representative Dave Baker, Chair
Ann C. Tepoorten, Committee Legislative Assistant