Sen. Bobby Joe Champion

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $2 million for fiscal year 2026 to support African immigrant entrepreneurs in Minnesota. Specifically, $1 million creates a loan fund to address economic inequities by financing business ventures, and $1 million provides business technical assistance services. The funding is one-time and expires June 30, 2028. It directly affects African immigrant entrepreneurs seeking financial support and business guidance. The bill establishes concrete funding mechanisms without altering existing laws or regulations.

Maddy summarySF 1967 appropriates $1 million for fiscal year 2026 and $1 million for 2027 to fund the Change Starts With Community violence prevention jobs program in North Minneapolis. The program targets at-risk Black, Indigenous, and People of Color youth and adults, providing year-round job training, mentorship, and on-site employment opportunities at the Shiloh Cares Food Shelf location. It requires adding specific staff positions (like food service workers, directors, and coordinators) and partnerships with the Cargill Foundation for youth field trips and garden programs. The grant recipient must submit annual reports detailing fund usage, program outcomes, and impact on the targeted community.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $2 million for fiscal year 2026 and $2 million for fiscal year 2027 from the workforce development fund to Summit Academy OIC. The funds will support expanding student enrollment, employment placement, and program access in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota. Specifically, the grant will fund GED preparation, STEM programming, and the launch of a new dental assistant program with employer partnerships. The bill directly affects Summit Academy OIC and its students seeking workforce training and career pathways.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $2 million from the general fund for a one-time grant to the Sanneh Foundation, a nonprofit organization. The funds will support the foundation's out-of-school and summer programs focused on mentoring and social-emotional learning for low-income students of color. The appropriation is available until spent in fiscal year 2026. It directly affects the Sanneh Foundation as the grant recipient and low-income students of color in Minnesota as the program beneficiaries.

Maddy summarySF 1607 appropriates $10 million for fiscal year 2026 and $10 million for 2027 to fund University of Minnesota health initiatives targeting underserved communities. The bill directs these funds to expand existing programs like the Community-University Health Care Center, Mobile Health Initiative, and a new One Health Clinic pilot, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health care. It also requires the university to incorporate health equity curriculum into health science programs and increase student clinical training opportunities in underserved areas. This funding directly supports the University of Minnesota’s efforts to improve access to care in communities with limited health resources. The bill affects UMN’s operations, underserved Minnesotans seeking care, and health science students gaining practical experience.

Maddy summarySF 1610 modifies Minnesota's community-based first-generation homebuyers down payment assistance program. It provides up to $32,000 as a no-interest, forgivable loan (20% forgiven annually over five years) to eligible first-time homebuyers who never owned a home or lost one to foreclosure, with income at or below 100% of the area median. The loan covers down payments or closing costs and must pair with a conforming mortgage, requiring completion of homebuyer education. The bill updates the program's funding structure, sets a future maximum based on median home prices (starting in 2027), and mandates annual reporting by the administrator (MMCDC) on loan details and demographic data.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1.5 million for each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from the general fund to the Minnesota Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs. The funds must support academic assistance programs for youth, including homework help, the Exact Path personalized learning program, literacy/STEM activities, mentorship, and attendance strategies. The recipient must provide a 25% nonstate funding match, and any unused 2026 funds roll to 2027. It directly affects youth in Boys and Girls Clubs programs seeking academic support, particularly those needing targeted assistance to improve outcomes. The grant ends with no automatic funding for 2028.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $4.3 million from the general fund for a one-time grant to Phumulani Minnesota African Women Against Violence. The funds are specifically for developing culturally specific mental health services targeting African immigrant communities in Minnesota. Key uses include program development, facility maintenance, training culturally competent mental health professionals from these communities, and creating financial literacy partnerships. The appropriation is available until June 30, 2027, and must support holistic mental health programs and advocacy efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's workforce development governance and reporting. It changes the Minnesota Job Skills Partnership Board membership to require four appointed members to be part of the governor's Workforce Development Board (with two representing labor and two business), plus a nonprofit workforce development representative. The bill also amends reporting requirements (Minnesota Statutes 116L.35) to mandate detailed demographic data (race, age, gender, income) and cost-benefit analyses for all state workforce programs. These reports must include program success metrics, participant numbers, and subgrantee funding details, with annual updates required for programs seeking increased state funding. The changes aim to improve transparency and accountability in workforce development spending.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $600,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $600,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the workforce development fund to Emerge Community Development. The funding supports three specific workforce development programs in Minneapolis: the Emerge Career and Technical Center, Cedar Riverside Opportunity Center, and Emerge Second Chance programs. It directly affects Emerge Community Development and the residents served by these programs, particularly those seeking job training and employment support. The bill provides concrete funding for existing services without changing program rules or creating new requirements.