Senator Jason Rarick: Jobs and Economic Growth Bill Helps Workers and Businesses by Prioritizing Economic Recovery

The Minnesota Senate today, with overwhelming bipartisan support, passed the Jobs and Economic Growth bill. The bill’s priority is to promote business and economic recovery for all of Minnesota while offering economic stability without adding any burdens or regulations that would hinder recovery efforts. Senate File 9 focuses on economic recovery, workforce training, business development services, and addresses the shortage of childcare in many communities.  


“Minnesota workers and businesses have endured a challenging year,” Senator Jason Rarick (R-Pine City) said.  “As we move to recover, this legislation puts our state on a path to get people back to work, businesses back on their feet, while also ensuring that government doesn’t hamper the economy with additional rules or regulations.”

Key provisions in the bill include the following:

  • Provides key investments in the state’s growing workforce
  • Creation of the Main Street Economic Revitalization Program and the Main Street COVID19 Relief programs to assist businesses statewide faced with financial hardship
  • Expands options for individuals to receive Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits while simultaneously receiving workforce training services
  • Minnesota Investment Fund loan modification for the Verso Paper Mill in Duluth to provide an incentive to repurpose the facility to fit the needs of a potential buyer
  • Removal of provision that makes high school students ineligible for Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits
  • Investment in the FATHER (Fostering Actions to Help Earnings and Responsibility) Project 

There is also a $70 million ARP investment in broadband development. After the last year of moving so much of the economy and education online, the need to expand broadband into underserved and unserved communities was highlighted. This investment will help close those gaps.

Notably, this bill does NOT include any burdensome mandates, expensive new programs, or excessive business regulations. The legislation now heads to the House for a final vote before heading to the Governor for a final signature.