In the Senate Jobs and Economic Development Committee on Wednesday, Senator Liz Boldon (DFL-Rochester) presented Senate File 365, which provides funding for the Bridges to Healthcare program.  

Bridges to Healthcare is the southeast Minnesota public-private partnership aimed at preparing individuals for careers in highly-skilled healthcare fields. It has supported more than 300 students since it was created in 2013.  

The bill’s co-author, Senator Carla Nelson (R-Rochester), made the following comments about the bill during the hearing.  

VIDEO LINK: Senator Nelson comments on Bridges to Healthcare. 

TRANSCRIPT: 

Well, thank you so much for coming, Senator Boldon. Thank you for chief authoring this year. I’m glad to be on this bill with you.  

This is a huge success, and it has multiplied into other communities, and we are seeing people’s lives change. This is not just about getting the support, the education — this is the jobs that go with this.   

This changes families. This changes trajectories. This is one of the most successful programs that I’ve seen in my — I think I’ve been here 17 years now. This is a highly successful program. And the state has an ability to help, and I hope we do again.  

But it also says a lot to the community, to the workforce development center, and to the businesses that step up and mentor as well and provide these jobs.