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Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee passes two bills funding rural childcare needs

Thursday, February 16, 2023

NEWS RELEASE 

Rep. Jeff Brand 

Minnesota House of Representatives 

District 18A – 651-296-8634– rep.jeff.brand@house.mn.gov 

501 State Office Building, St. Paul, MN 55155 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

CONTACT:  Marlee Schlegel 

651-296-9873 or marlee.schlegel@house.mn.gov 

February 16, 2023 

 

Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee passes two bills funding rural childcare needs 

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Yesterday, the House Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee voted to pass two bills aimed at investing in rural Minnesota childcare needs. HF 1180 would invest $20 million in the greater Minnesota childcare facility capital grant program to support infrastructure for childcare facilities. HF 1074 would deliver a $6 million investment to the Minnesota Initiative Foundations, which provides grants to partners for work on childcare, primarily in rural communities.  

Both bills are authored by Rep. Jeff Brand (DFL – Saint Peter). 

“We’ve been making major strides to fix broken childcare programs in Minnesota,” said Rep. Brand. “But in rural communities, families being able to pay for childcare isn’t the only barrier – lack of access is a major issue. In Mankato, we’re short 1,000 childcare spots. Making these investments in our rural communities will not only help keep childcare facilities open, but it will help facilities train childcare providers so that our kids are well cared for.” 

HF 1180 has been laid over for consideration in future economic development bill. HF 1074 has been referred to the Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee. 

 

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