Committee hears testimony to keep funding Bridges to Healthcare program that funnels students into health-care careers

The House Workforce Committee heard testimony Feb. 24 in favor of continuing state support for Bridges to Healthcare, a public-private workforce partnership that trains nontraditional students for health-care careers in southeastern Minnesota.

Why it matters: The program targets students who are older, first-generation or English-language learners and provides tuition help, supportive services and pathways into certificates and degrees for roles such as certified nursing assistant, phlebotomist and home health aide. Supporters said the program helps meet a regional workforce need in Minnesota''s largest industry.

Representative Robyn Hicks told the committee the program began in the Rochester area, home to the Mayo Clinic, and expanded across several southeastern Minnesota communities. Kyle Mullins, workforce director with Workforce Development Incorporated, said Bridges to Healthcare now serves more than the program's original target of 300 students and is projected to enroll about 420 students in the biennium. Mullins said about 25% of operating funds come from private sources, and that 80% of graduates are from ethnically diverse backgrounds.

Representative Hicks offered and the committee adopted an author's amendment that clarifies funds are not to be used for space or infrastructure. After testimony from program graduates and workforce staff, the committee laid the bill over for further consideration.

Ending: The bill was carried over for future consideration; lawmakers asked staff to confirm grant/recipient language if the appropriation is moved forward in a larger package.