University of Minnesota Center for Nursing Equity and Excellence appropriation

This bill appropriates $250,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $250,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the workforce development fund to establish the University of Minnesota's Center for Nursing Equity and Excellence. The center will work with Minnesota State Colleges and Universities to address nursing workforce needs, including creating education pathways, improving nursing education methods, expanding simulation training, promoting workforce equality across all Minnesota regions, and supporting the well-being of nursing students and professionals. It directly affects nursing students, current nurses, and healthcare institutions statewide by funding specific initiatives to strengthen the nursing workforce. The funding is targeted for concrete program development, not general operations.