Republicans in the Minnesota Senate are aiming to expand job-training programs and business development with a $208 million jobs bill -- and more money from private businesses and organizations.
GOP senators on Monday unveiled a bill that would provide money to a handful of existing state job-creation programs and some new ones. Among them: a manufacturing work-training program for teenagers, a construction-training program for military veterans, and a North Minneapolis grocery store and wellness center.
Monday's announcement did not include specifics on funding for those programs. But Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka said the bill includes $20 million to expand broadband in rural areas of Minnesota -- and that those communities wouldn't have to spend as much local money to get the state funds. The bill lowers a required local match for broadband projects from 50 percent to 35 percent and drops the minimum level for state broadband grants from $5 million to $3 million.
Digi-Key, a Thief River Falls manufacturer of electronic components, was singled out as a major potential recipient of state support. Sen. Mark Johnson, R-East Grand Forks, said the company, which has announced plans to add 1,000 new jobs over the next decade, could get $40 million in tax incentives.
"The problem up there in there in northwest Minnesota is that we're really lacking in infrastructure and lacking in a tax climate that's conducive to companies growing and staying there," Johnson said.
Arizona judge rejects GOP wording for voters' abortion ballot initiative pamphlet
FBI says Trump was indeed struck by bullet during assassination attempt
![Gov. Tim Walz on Thursday in St. Paul. The Minnesota leader is in the mix as Vice President Kamala Harris considers possible running mates.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/7NK5CNH5Z5F67I7WAVOM3K6PHM.jpg?h=91&w=145&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)