ST. PAUL, MN—The Minnesota House has approved the omnibus Job Growth and Energy Affordability bill (House File 843), which includes provisions aimed at making energy cleaner and more affordable, workforce housing and broadband development, and workforce training to help connect Minnesotans with better-paying jobs. The legislation, authored by Job Growth and Energy Affordability Committee Chair Pat Garofalo (R-Farmington), passed with bipartisan support on a 73 to 56 vote.
"As energy costs continue to climb, Minnesotans are seeing their family budgets stretched thin. The House Republican majority listened to Minnesotans from across the state to provide a solution that makes energy cleaner and cheaper while helping to grow jobs across the state. With the passage of the Job Growth and Energy Affordability bill, Republicans are providing new opportunities and fostering job growth for Minnesotans from all corners of the state," said Speaker Kurt Daudt (R-Crown).
"It's great to be able to pass a bill that makes energy both cleaner and more affordable on Earth Day. Lowering energy bills for families and reducing pollution is a win/win for every resident in the state of Minnesota. Furthermore, the job provisions in this bill will help communities address workforce housing, expand broadband to underserved areas, and train Minnesota workers for better-paying jobs in manufacturing, technology, and other specialized fields,” added Chair Garofalo.
The energy portion of the bill includes reforms to the Renewable Energy Standard, allowing the state to count hydroelectric and energy storage toward renewable energy goals. Incentives for electric, propane, and natural gas vehicles will reduce pollution in the long run. It also includes the Rural Propane Relief Act, a bill chief authored by Representative Dave Baker (R-Willmar) to help prevent future propane shortages by helping citizens and businesses expand propane capacity, as well as allowing the state to purchase propane during the summer when prices are lower.
Broadband grant funding and workforce housing provisions will help continue to spur job growth and retain better-paying jobs in Greater Minnesota. The bill also includes funding for workforce training programs to connect workers with jobs in technical, manufacturing, and other specialized positions.
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