Dual-training grant requirements clarified in bill that passes House

Employers seeking dual-training education for employees could have an easier time securing state reimbursement for certified programs.

Sponsored by Rep. Marion O'Neill (R-Maple Lake) and Sen. Terri Bonoff (DFL-Minnetonka), HF2798/SF2614* would make clarifying and grant criteria changes within the dual-training program.

Passed 93-36 by the House Thursday, the bill now goes to the governor. It was passed 57-4 by the Senate March 30.

Rep. Marion O'Neill

“This will expand dual-training programs, and develop talent we desperately need,” O’Neill said.

Notable clarifications include that employers would need to have an agreement with an educational institution approved by the Office of Higher Education and Department of Labor and Industry prior to a grant being awarded, and the application would need to include the number of projected high school graduates the program would serve as well as total training costs.

Grant criteria changes would specify that grant awards must be offered to high school graduates unless there are not enough eligible applicants, and that an equal dollar amount must be distributed between both the Twin Cities metropolitan area and Greater Minnesota.

Grants may not exceed $6,000 per year, per employee and would be paid only after an employer has presented satisfactory evidence of a certified degree or certificate of completion.

“I am very hopeful that these grants will help,” said Rep. Kim Norton (DFL-Rochester). “I think these changes are necessary, and we will be glad we provided them in the long run.”