News
News related to "legislature"
Choose an article below to learn more about this topic.
Senate Human Services Holds Hearing on LTC Imperative Priorities
On March 2, 2023 by Erin Huppert
After a blizzard-induced postponement, the Senate Human Services Committee took up three long-term care bills championed by LeadingAge Minnesota and its Long-Term Care Imperative partner on Monday afternoon. The three bills represent the breadth of aging services and the need to ensure they are available for seniors in all the places they call home. All three bills were laid over for inclusion in the committee’s omnibus bill, which will be assembled and passed later this session.
Tune In to Caregiver Conversation – Roundtable with Sen. Frentz and Rep. Brand
On February 23, 2023 by Libbie Chapuran
LeadingAge Minnesota has launched a new series: Caregiver Conversations. We’re helping lawmakers and their constituents have critical conversations about the aging services sector. Then we’re we are sharing the recordings far and wide so Minnesotans and leaders at the Capitol better understand the issues we are facing.
Bill to Create Statewide Paid Family Leave Program Moves Through Legislature
On February 16, 2023 by Erin Huppert
A legislative proposal to create a statewide paid family leave program is moving rapidly through the Legislature this year with implications for employers and their employees.
Build Connections to Make an Impact
On February 16, 2023 by Kari Thurlow
LeadingAge Minnesota is more than an association. It’s a community built on a foundation of meaningful relationships and a common understanding of what it means to be an aging services professional. Our shared experiences help us know deeply the profound impact chronic underfunding of senior care services has on the well-being of professional caregivers, their families, and the people we serve.
LTC Payment Bill Receives Bipartisan Support in House Human Services Committee
On February 2, 2023 by Erin Huppert
This week, the House Human Services Finance Committee heard HF 733, a bill that would facilitate raising wages for professional caregivers in aging services. This important legislation is the top priority of our 2023 legislative agenda, and LeadingAge Minnesota was thrilled to work with bill sponsor Rep. Heather Edelson (DFL-Edina) to produce a strong hearing.
Governor Releases Budget Proposal that Increases Elderly Waiver Rates while Giving Care Centers Almost Nothing
On January 26, 2023 by LeadingAge
This week Governor Tim Walz released his budget proposal, a mixed bag for long-term care providers. While it acknowledges and takes steps to address the underfunding of the Elderly Waiver (EW) program, it does nothing meaningful to address the staffing shortages and resulting access problems in the care center sector.
Gov. Walz Releases Proposed Workforce Budget; Implications for Long-Term Care
On January 19, 2023 by Erin Huppert
This morning, Governor Tim Walz released a preview of his proposed budget addressing Minnesota's workforce challenges. This preview covers a variety of sectors and includes some investments benefitting aging services.
Early Attention Paid to Long-Term Care Funding in Minnesota Senate
On January 12, 2023 by Kayla Khang
The Caregiver Stabilization Act (SF 7) was heard in the Senate Human Services Committee on Monday afternoon.
Adult Day Sector Still Struggling to Recover from the Pandemic
On January 12, 2023 by Jeff Bostic
LeadingAge Minnesota completed a survey of our adult day services members to evaluate their financial health and the challenges they are facing in recovering from the impacts of the Covid pandemic. The results make clear that adult day service providers face many challenges as they attempt to maintain this vital part of the network of services for the elderly and disabled.
Six Care Centers Apply for Moratorium Exceptions Process Funding
On January 5, 2023 by Jeff Bostic
The current round of applications for nursing facility moratorium exceptions has closed. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recently informed LeadingAge Minnesota that six care centers submitted proposals for this round. A review committee will hear the proposals in February, and the MDH commissioner will announce the approved projects by April 6.
DHS to Offset Employee Retention Credits from Care Center Rates
On January 5, 2023 by Jeff Bostic
The Department of Human Services (DHS) recently informed us that they intend to offset the revenue from the federal Employee Retention Credit (ERC) from care center costs based on the wages and taxes used in the ERC application. That means that some care centers will see reductions in their rate for the rate year that started this Jan. 1. DHS auditors have begun requesting detailed information from care centers that have applied for the ERC to determine these offsets.
With Session Starting Jan. 3, LeadingAge Minnesota Finalizes 2023 Legislative Agenda
On December 22, 2022 by Erin Huppert
The Minnesota Legislature will convene on Jan. 3, 2023. LeadingAge Minnesota has finalized its member-developed, board-approved legislative priorities for the upcoming session. At the top of the list: ensuring providers across the continuum of care have the resources needed to ensure access to care for Minnesota's seniors and pay caregivers the wages they deserve.
LeadingAge Minnesota Welcomes Kayla Khang to the Advocacy Team
On December 8, 2022 by Erin Huppert
Please join LeadingAge Minnesota in giving a warm welcome to Kayla Khang. Kayla joins the staff as the Manager of Government Affairs and Policy. She will support our policy and lobbying efforts in St. Paul, including leading our organization's return to in-person Advocacy Day at the Capitol on March 13, 2023.
Largest Surplus in Minnesota’s History: What it means for long term care providers
On December 8, 2022 by Kayla Khang
This week, Minnesota's budget forecast for the 2024-2025 biennium showed a $17.6 billion surplus, the largest in Minnesota's history. Most of the forecasted budget is "carryforward," meaning that about $12 billion of the surplus money will only be able to be spent on one-time investments.
Long-Term Care Imperative Testifies About Workforce Challenges Before Senate Human Services Committee
On December 1, 2022 by Erin Huppert
This week, Erin Huppert, Vice President of Advocacy for LeadingAge Minnesota, testified before the Senate Human Services Committee. This informational hearing – no votes or official action could be taken – featured the outgoing chair, Sen. Jim Abeler, and incoming chair, Sen. John Hoffman. The lawmakers spotlighted workforce challenges impacting disability services, long-term care, and non-emergency medical transportation.
Become An Aging Services Advocacy Champion
On November 17, 2022 by Dan Nelson
In December, LeadingAge Minnesota is launching our Champions Network, a new advocacy-focused membership group with a mission to advance our public policy goals through grassroots engagement. This group is open to all members and will meet virtually once per month.
Election Results 2022 and the Impact on Aging Services
On November 10, 2022 by LeadingAge
With a handful of races still being verified, Minnesota will no longer be under a divided state government when the Legislature convenes in January. Governor Walz will return for a second term, where he will continue to work with House Democrats, who are projected to retain the majority. The Minnesota Senate surprised pundits, flipping from Republican control to a narrow one-vote Democratic majority.
MDH Issues a Special Edition ALL Together Newsletter with Changes to Assisted Living Laws
On November 6, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry
In a special edition of the ALL Together Newsletter sent last week, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) reviewed the assisted living license renewal information and provided a list of changes affecting assisted living facilities included in the Health and Human Services Policy Bill passed in the final hours of the 2022 legislative session.
State Sen. Jen McEwen and State Rep. Liz Olson Hold Community Forum at Viewcrest in Duluth
On November 3, 2022 by Dan Nelson
Sen. Jen McEwen (DFL – Duluth) and Rep. Liz Olson (DFL – Duluth) visited with over 50 staff, volunteers, and residents at Saint Francis Health System's Viewcrest Health Center in Duluth. The lawmakers were hosted by Chet Fishel, Cami Peterson-DeVries, and Brittany Loosbrook of SFHS.
Minnesota State Senate Majority Leader Jeremy Miller Visits Spring Valley Living
On November 3, 2022 by Dan Nelson
Last week, State Sen. Jeremy Miller (R – Winona) visited Spring Valley Living - a skilled nursing, assisted living, and independent living community in Spring Valley, Minnesota. Heather Sellers, Vice President of Patient Services for Spring Valley Living, hosted the visit. LeadingAge Minnesota staff also attended the meeting.