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Emerge asks for state support to expand reentry employment and social‑enterprise training
Summary
Senate File 17 45 would provide $600,000 in FY2026 and $600,000 in FY2027 to Emerge to expand workforce training, certificate programs and social enterprise employment opportunities for returning citizens.
Senate File 17 45, presented March 3 and sponsored by Chair Champion, requests $600,000 in FY2026 and $600,000 in FY2027 from the workforce development fund to support Emerge Community Development’s workforce, reentry and social‑enterprise work in Minneapolis.
Tara Mayfield, introduced as executive vice president of programs at Emerge, told the committee Emerge operates multiple program sites offering workforce coaching, certificate training, financial counseling and reentry supports, and runs social enterprises that provide on‑the‑job training for returning citizens. "We previously received direct funding to assist low income job seekers, new Americans, and returning citizens in gaining skills, securing employment, and returning jobs at higher starting wages. As a result, we exceeded our project outcomes," Mayfield said, and noted program results are captured in Workforce One and subject to funder audits.
Marcel Mack, identified as director of reentry programs and a program alumnus, described his path from a recycling trainee to program leader and urged continued support, saying the program helped him rebuild after 17 years of incarceration.
Fiscal staff told the committee Emerge previously received $500,000 in FY2022–23 and $1,000,000 one‑time in FY2024–25. Emerge said the proposed appropriation would allow it to serve about 500 additional participants over two years and to continue employer partnerships that lead to living‑wage placements.
Senate File 17 45 was laid on the table for possible inclusion.
