News

2019 Legislative Session Underway – Watch Our Session Preview Webinar

On January 8, 2019 by Libbie Chapuran

Yesterday marked the start of Minnesota’s 2019 legislative session, and we know now who will lead two key state agencies that impact our members and the people they serve – the Minnesota Department of Health and the Minnesota Department of Human Services.  

FREE! 2019 Legislative Preview Webinar – Jan. 8

On December 31, 2018 by Libbie Chapuran

The Minnesota Legislature is scheduled to convene on Tuesday, Jan. 8 and aging services providers have a lot at stake. Don’t miss a free, one-hour webinar on Jan. 9 for insights into the current political environment, our priorities at the Capitol, and ways you can support our advocacy efforts.  

State Budget Surplus Grows, Economic Growth Predicted to Slow

On December 12, 2018 by Kari Thurlow

Minnesota’s latest budget forecast was released last week, showing a $1.544 billion surplus for the next biennium but also predicting a slowdown in economic growth. Positive reaction to the state budget surplus at the State Capitol was accompanied with a note of caution. 

Aging Committees Return for 2019-2020 Session

On December 5, 2018 by Libbie Chapuran

Aging committees will return in both chambers of the Legislature for the 2019-2020 legislative session.   

Moving Forward After the Election

On November 14, 2018 by Kari Thurlow

A week has passed since the 2018 election, and lawmakers are already planning for a transition in government and leadership come January. In this week’s election perspective, we share new insight into the Governors’ transition team and legislative leadership and kick off our call for grassroots advocacy. There are a lot of new faces in the Minnesota Legislature, particularly in the suburbs, and we need your support in helping them learn more about our issues before session starts in January.   

The DC Perspective: Aging Services After the 2018 Midterm Election

On November 14, 2018 by Jodi Boyne

The midterm election brought some big changes for members of Congress with jurisdiction over aging services issues, as well as a fresh outlook on what may be accomplished in the upcoming lame duck session and in the new Congress that will convene in January. 

DFL Sweeps Statewide Offices, Flips Minnesota House

On November 7, 2018 by Jodi Boyne

When the votes were tallied last night, there was no denying the DFL in Minnesota. DFL candidates for statewide office were victorious in all races, the Minnesota House of Representatives flipped from Republican to DFL control and the DFL in Minnesota flipped two key seats to help Democrats regain control of the U.S. House of Representatives.   

Providers Need to Allow Access with Limited Exceptions when Candidates Come Knocking

On October 2, 2018 by Kari Thurlow

As we near election day in Minnesota, candidates for political office may be reaching out to nursing homes and assisted living settings to get access to their buildings for door knocking or lit-dropping. We want to reminder providers that Minnesota law makes clear that candidates should only be denied access to multiple unit dwellings in limited settings.  

Spirit of Advocacy: Christine Bakke and Rob Lahammer

On September 25, 2018 by Jodi Boyne

Christine Bakke, CEO/Administrator, Madonna Towers and Rob Lahammer, Executive Director of Customer Engagement, Employee Engagement and Advocacy, Presbyterian Homes and Services were the recipients of this year’s Spirit of Advocacy award. The awards were announced at last week’s Annual Meeting and Leadership Forum. 

Help Workers with Temporary Immigrant Status Remain on the Job

On September 11, 2018 by Jodi Boyne

The temporary protected status provided to immigrants from El Salvador, Nicaragua, Haiti and other countries is being terminated. Many of these foreign-born people, who work in the long-term services and supports field, will face deportation.

No Significant Changes in Medicaid on Congressional Agenda before November Elections

On July 10, 2018 by Jodi Boyne

As Congress broke for it July 4 recess, LeadingAge provided an update on where our legislative and regulatory issues stand on Capitol Hill and in the federal agencies. 

Governor Vetoes Eldercare Protection, DWRS Funding

On May 23, 2018 by Kari Thurlow

UPDATE: 11:45 am - GOVERNOR DAYTON VETOES ELDERCARE PROTECTION

Governor Dayton vetoed the omnibus supplemental budget bill, which included significant policy reforms on eldercare protection, revisions to the home care law and funding to prevent a cut in DWRS rates. 

In Final Days of Session, Providers Still Seek to Prevent Maltreatment, Protect Seniors

On May 16, 2018 by Libbie Chapuran

The 2018 Legislative Session is coming to an end, and legislation to protect vulnerable adults from maltreatment is still on the table. 

Mid-Session Legislative Update

On April 4, 2018 by Kari Thurlow

The Minnesota Capitol is quiet this week as lawmakers are in the middle of a 10-day spring break recess. The following is a mid-session legislative update and a summary of the some of the key issues we are tracking: 

OLA Recommendations Could Define Session Outcomes for Vulnerable Adult Protection

On March 6, 2018 by Jodi Boyne

The Office of Legislative Auditor (OLA) yesterday released its 2018 Evaluation Report of the Office of Health Facility Complaints (OHFC). The report recommends several actions the Minnesota Department of Health and Minnesota Legislature could take to better protect vulnerable adults, several of which align with the Long-Term Care Imperative policy priorities.   

REGISTER TODAY! Day at the Capitol 2018

On February 14, 2018 by Libbie Chapuran

The 2018 Day at the Capitol will be held on March 28 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Join your fellow members and be an advocate for those you serve and their caregivers. REGISTER TODAY! 

2018 Session Preview Now Available On-Demand for LAMN Members

On February 14, 2018 by Libbie Chapuran

The Minnesota Legislature is scheduled to convene on Tuesday, Feb. 20, and aging services providers have a lot at stake. LeadingAge Minnesota hosted an interactive legislative session preview webinar for members in January. Members who were unable to join us can now access the webinar. 

Senator Housley Hosts Listening Sessions Throughout the State

On February 14, 2018 by Libbie Chapuran

State Senators are holding a series of listening sessions focused on aging and long-term care issues across Minnesota throughout February and April. The listening sessions, hosted by Senator Karin Housley (R-St. Mary’s Point), chair of the Senate Aging and Long-Term Care Policy Committee, are designed to be a venue for vulnerable Minnesotans and their families to share their stories. 

Long-Term Care Imperative Shares Reform Recommendations to Address Maltreatment

On January 31, 2018 by Kari Thurlow

Two Minnesota Senate committees held a joint hearing last week regarding the state’s handling of vulnerable adult maltreatment complaints. LeadingAge Minnesota and its partner in the Long-Term Care Imperative (LTCI) testified at the hearing, and shared several recommendations for policy reforms that could be passed in the next legislative session to address ongoing concerns. 

Spread the Word: Promote the Face Aging MN Interactive Map

On January 23, 2018 by Jodi Boyne

We know it’s going to take a lot of us working together to best prepare Minnesota for the impact and opportunities of its fast-growing aging population. We need your help to start this important conversation in communities across the state. Join us in promoting the new Face Aging MN interactive map.