In an effort to address the childcare shortage in Greater Minnesota, legislation introduced by Senator Jerry Relph (R-St. Cloud) would establish a grant program for childcare facilities serving rural Minnesota communities. Eligible childcare facilities would be able to apply for up to $500,000 per project, or up to $2 million over two years for multiple projects, in grant funding.

“It’s no secret that Greater Minnesota communities are struggling to meet the need for affordable and available childcare,” said Senator Relph. “This bill would make it easier for both in-home family childcare providers and childcare centers to expand and better meet the needs of the communities they serve.”

The bill, Senate File 538, would make up to $10 million in grants available to rural childcare facilities for eligible infrastructure-related projects, including construction and expansion plans. As the legislation currently is written, the grant program would be available to nonprofit or for-profit family childcare providers or childcare centers located outside the seven-county metropolitan area and seeking to increase capacity. Applicants also must meet all state requirements for childcare facilities and agree to achieve or maintain its Parent Aware certification. The grant program would be administered by the Minnesota Department of Human Services.

The legislation, which has broad, bipartisan support, awaits a hearing in the Senate Family Care and Aging Committee.

“As we continue to wrestle with the myriad of regulations facing childcare providers, we must also be aware that it is extremely costly for these facilities to expand. This legislation aims to change that,” Senator Relph continued.

Senator Jerry Relph, of St. Cloud, represents District 14, which includes St. Cloud, Waite Park, St. Augusta, Haven Township, Minden Township, and St. Joseph Township.