Senator: Free 2-Year College Would Fight Worker Shortages

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A Democratic state senator says offering free two-year college education will fight worker shortages across Minnesota.

Sen. LeRoy Stumpf says the state could send about 3,500 qualified students to two-year technical and vocational programs for about $24 million. The Plummer Democrat wants the program to create more workers in fields like manufacturing and agribusiness.

The proposal's chances are murky. Gov. Mark Dayton didn't include money for the move in his budget proposal and it doesn't have a hearing scheduled in the Republican House.

Participants in the program would have to meet frequently with a mentor and keep their grades up. Stumpf expects the cost and enrollment in the program would grow over time.

The bill was set for its first hearing Tuesday afternoon.