Rep. Patty Mueller

Maddy summaryHF 2528 allocates $2.6 million annually for neighborhood partnership grants to support community programs focused on education, primarily benefiting historically underserved students in Minnesota. The bill specifically directs $1.3 million yearly to the Northside Achievement Zone and St. Paul Promise Neighborhood, while $1.4 million annually funds regional programs like the Northfield Healthy Community Initiative and Rochester Area Foundation. It also includes a $900,000 one-time grant for similar regional initiatives, with remaining funds available for carryover to the next fiscal year. The bill does not allocate funds for the proposed "emerging partnership grant" program listed in Section 3.

Maddy summaryHF 2203 appropriates $4.5 million from the general fund for the Neighborhood Development Center to design, build, and equip a new entrepreneur innovation center in Minneapolis' Lake Street Corridor. The center will provide dedicated space for low-income entrepreneurs to develop businesses, including a technology accelerator, wellness incubator with a kitchen, community meeting areas, and retail space. This one-time funding for the 2026 budget year is specifically intended to support economic development in underserved communities. The project must be completed or abandoned within the timeframe allowed by Minnesota law.

Maddy summaryHF 2827 appropriates $10 million from state bond proceeds to fund capital improvements for publicly owned transit systems in Greater Minnesota (rural and smaller communities outside major urban areas). The bill authorizes the state to issue up to $10 million in bonds, with the funds specifically designated for acquiring property, predesigning, constructing, furnishing, and equipping transit facilities under existing law. This directly supports local transit agencies in upgrading infrastructure like bus depots, maintenance facilities, and vehicle fleets. The funding mechanism relies on bond sales rather than general state revenue, with the money to be distributed by the state transportation commissioner. The bill takes effect upon final enactment.

Maddy summaryHF 2841 appropriates $800,000 from the general fund to the Department of Education for a one-time grant to Cultural Connections. The funds must create and distribute translated videos explaining Minnesota's school system to immigrant students and parents at 320 public middle and high schools, with translations into parents' first languages. The videos aim to accelerate immigrant student integration, promote parental involvement, and address achievement gaps. This is a targeted funding measure for school system outreach, not a broad policy change.

Maddy summaryHF 2534 increases the minimum percentage of general education funding that school districts must reserve for area learning centers or alternative learning programs from its current level to at least 90%. This change directly affects school districts that operate or join these centers, requiring them to allocate more state funds specifically for these programs. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 123A.05 to mandate this higher reserve percentage, calculated using specific funding formulas. The new requirement takes effect for fiscal year 2026 and later.

Maddy summaryHF 2786 modifies requirements for education grants administered by the Minnesota Department of Education. It establishes specific conditions under which the commissioner must terminate grant agreements with nonprofit recipients, including failing to file required IRS forms (990/990-EZ), missing state reports, exceeding 25% administrative costs relative to revenue, paying employees more than 110% of the governor's salary, or being under fraud investigation. The bill explicitly excludes school districts, charter schools, and other political subdivisions from these requirements. These changes aim to ensure grant recipients meet financial and compliance standards before receiving or continuing funding.

Maddy summaryHF 2238 requires Minnesota's commissioner to approve youth skills training programs in construction trades, specifically those conducted at central locations like headquarters or training facilities. It directly affects young workers in construction training programs and the commissioner who must review these programs. The bill adds a new rule to Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 175.46, mandating commissioner approval for eligible programs and exempting participants from conflicting child labor laws under section 181A.07, subdivision 7. This creates a streamlined pathway for youth to gain construction trade experience while complying with labor regulations.

Maddy summaryHF 1976 modifies Minnesota's Paid Leave Law to clarify eligibility for paid leave benefits. It defines "covered employment" to include workers performing at least half their work in Minnesota, while excluding self-employed individuals, independent contractors, and seasonal hospitality workers (defined as employed up to 150 or 180 days in a year for hospitality employers). The bill also allows the state to contract with private companies to process leave applications, determine eligibility, and make payments. These changes provide clearer rules for employers and employees, particularly in the hospitality sector.

Maddy summaryHF 2536 appropriates $1.44 million from state bond proceeds to fund the predesign, design, and construction of a four-mile paved segment of the Shooting Star State Trail. The project extends from Taopi south to the Iowa state line, creating a pedestrian and bicycle pathway under existing trail authority. The bill authorizes the state to issue bonds up to $1.44 million to cover these costs, with funds managed by the commissioner of natural resources. This directly affects Minnesota’s state trail system and future trail users, not specific individuals or groups.

Maddy summaryHF 2537 strengthens oversight for Minnesota state grants to nonprofit organizations. It requires nonprofits to submit IRS Form 990 for two prior years, limits executive compensation to the governor’s annual salary, and prohibits state employees or elected officials from serving on governing boards. Nonprofits receiving over 50% of revenue from state funds must also provide certified financial audits and undergo background checks for officers/board members. The bill mandates annual reports detailing grant fund usage, program outcomes (like job creation or academic performance), and operating expenses, with additional reporting if a grant recipient is found ineligible. These changes apply to all nonprofits receiving state grant funds under Minnesota law.