Sen. Liz Bolden seeks to maintain funding for Bridges to Healthcare workforce program

Senator Liz Bolden (Rochester) introduced Senate File 365 on Feb. 5, asking the Committee on Jobs and Economic Development to preserve existing Workforce Development Fund support for Bridges to Healthcare, a public–private program that trains nontraditional students for health-care jobs.

The bill would maintain the program’s current state funding level. Bolden described Bridges to Healthcare as “an innovative program” launched in Rochester that has expanded into Albert Lea, Austin, Faribault, Owatonna, Red Wing and Winona. She said the program supports students who are older, first-generation, or English-language learners and helps them obtain credentials ranging from certified nursing assistant and phlebotomy to registered nursing.

Ginny Rittman, executive director for workforce development at Workforce Development Inc., told the committee the program serves a high-demand sector and currently operates in eight counties. Rittman said the program previously received $750,000 each year of the last biennium from the Workforce Development Fund and requested the committee maintain that level. She provided program metrics: a cost per student of $3,608, private funding covering roughly 25% of the budget, and an annual program cost just over $1 million with expansion efforts underway.

Rittman told the committee the program already serves more than 300 students per year and estimated serving about 420 students this year. She said about 80% of hires from Bridges to Healthcare are ethnically diverse and roughly 60% of placements are in understaffed long‑term care facilities. Student speaker Gislain Yamobe testified that the program financed CNA and TMA training, tuition and car repairs that made clinical attendance possible; Yamobe described academic recognition at school following that support.

Committee members asked about eligibility definitions and administrative costs. Rittman said Bridges uses Department of Employment and Economic Development eligibility criteria under the adult career pathways umbrella; she listed typical participant characteristics as low income, basic skills needs and English language learners. Rittman also said up to 5% of grantee proceeds may be used for administrative costs and that space rental is included in that administration cap; she gave a budget breakdown saying about 49% of funds go to direct career services and 30% to training.

Chair and members concluded by laying Senate File 365 over for possible inclusion in the committee’s package. No final appropriation or vote on funding occurred in the committee meeting.

Ending: The measure was laid over so the committee can consider it during later budget and package deliberations; the author and program representatives said they will continue to provide details on eligibility, administration and performance if the file moves forward.