Minnesota Initiative Foundations regional child care planning and programming appropriation

This bill appropriates $1 million from the general fund and $2.5 million from the workforce development fund for each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027 (totaling $6 million over two years) to Minnesota Initiative Foundations. The funds must support rural communities in developing child care planning action plans, engaging private sector investment, and providing business training to child care providers. Foundations are required to use the money to help rural child care businesses improve quality, stabilize operations, and access quality rating programs through local partnerships. The funding is available until June 30, 2031, with a base appropriation of $1 million annually from the general fund starting in 2028.