Hmong American Partnership leaders urge committee to fund workforce training; amendment on "financial literacy" adopted

Chair Champion opened the March 23 meeting of the Senate Committee on Jobs and Economic Development and the committee adopted an author's A2 amendment to Senate File 9.27, moving the bill to the form the author requested.

Mindset, who identified themself as president and CEO of the Hmong American Partnership, testified the organization operates workforce programs that place participants into jobs and provide training, career coaching and supports. "We have nearly 1,000 individuals with over 800 placed into jobs, earning an average of $21 an hour," Mindset said. They told senators roughly 150 people remain on waiting lists because of limited funding.

A program graduate, Lily Tall, described how the training helped her become a certified nursing assistant and said the program provided the hands-on skills and confidence to pursue a career. "Through this program I didn't just earn a certificate — I gained hands-on skills, real-world experience and the confidence to move forward," she said.

Senators pressed program staff about language in the bill referring to "wealth management." Senator Nelson moved to replace that phrase with "financial literacy," arguing the latter better fits a workforce-development focus. The committee approved the change by voice vote.

Sponsors and several senators expressed support for the organization's community-based, culturally responsive model and for direct appropriations to reduce waiting lists for training, while committee members requested staff follow-up on exact eligible activities and budget lines. The committee laid the bill over for possible inclusion in omnibus action.

The committee did not complete a fiscal-note discussion on the record; a sponsor indicated staff would prepare additional fiscal and scope details if requested. Next steps: the bill is held for possible inclusion pending further drafting and fiscal review.