Bill to fund CEVA’s workforce programs for API communities advances out of committee with amendment adopted

Senator Pai presented Senate File 3417, which would provide grants to CEVA (a nonprofit serving South Asian communities and other Minnesotans) to expand workforce development programming targeted at immigrant and API communities.

The committee adopted the A1 author’s amendment without recorded opposition. After the amendment, Senator Pai described the bill’s goals: "This funding is so important and will support employment services, job training, and career development programs that will help individuals, particularly women and youth," she said.

Anjali Cameron, who identified herself as CEO of CEVA, told the committee CEVA operates through three pillars — med‑tech soldering certificate training, long‑term care workforce support, and future workforce programs for youth — and provides wraparound services including childcare, transportation and crisis support. Cameron said CEVA expects roughly 110 people currently in workforce programming and anticipates doubling reach with state funding; she also said philanthropic support for the Karuna Women Lead program is phasing out and the requested funds would sustain that work.

Senators pressed for fiscal details. Senator Pratt asked why a one‑year appropriation increases the fiscal year allocation versus earlier expectations; Cameron said the purpose is to scale quickly to meet current demand and offered to supply a further expenditure breakdown. The committee laid the bill over for possible inclusion.

Next steps: the bill with the adopted A1 amendment moves forward in committee as laid over for possible inclusion; authors and testifier agreed to provide more detailed budget allocations and program‑by‑program breakdowns to address member questions.