LeadingAge Minnesota Members Advocate for Senior Care at Annual Day at the Capitol

Posted on March 21, 2024 by Kayla Khang

Over 100 LeadingAge Minnesota members gathered yesterday for LeadingAge Minnesota’s Annual Day at the Capitol.

This meaningful advocacy drove home critical messages for lawmakers to understand:

• Minnesota must make the investments and policy changes necessary to support our seniors.
• While steps have been taken, the legislature has underfunded essential senior care services and must prioritize this.

Throughout the day, LeadingAge Minnesota members met with at least 60 lawmakers and left messages for countless others. They also attended the Senate Human Services Committee hearing and met with Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner Carol Backstrom, both opportunities to engage in the advocacy process.

Thanks to all the participants

LeadingAge Minnesota is thankful to everyone who participated in the Day at the Capitol. We appreciate your contributions to the success of the day.

We owe special thanks to several members who participated in the program, sharing valuable insights with all those in attendance:

• Jerry Carley, Benedictine, LeadingAge Minnesota Board Chair
• Teresa Hildebrandt, Benedictine, Executive Director, Benedictine Living Community – St. Peter
• Rob Lahammer, Presbyterian Homes and Services, Vice President of Engagement and Advocacy
• Griffin Myslivecek, Ebenezer, Executive Director, The Pillars on Prospect Park
• Candas Schouvieller, Oak Hills Living Center, CEO/Administrator

Art at the Capitol

Throughout the week, lawmakers, legislative, staff and visitors can view a senior art installation in the North Corridor of the Capitol featuring resident art from LeadingAge Minnesota organizations:

• Ebenezer
• Lyngblomsten
• Ebenezer
• Mount Olivet
• Friendship Village of Bloomington

Thank you to every community that contributed to this installation. This is yet another way we can help show lawmakers that the seniors in our community are counting on them.

Couldn’t attend? Do not miss your opportunity to share your story!

Couldn’t attend Day at the Capitol? It is not too late to share your story. You can email your lawmakers sharing your disappointment that Gov. Walz did not include older adults in his supplemental budget. To act, click here, enter your contact information, personalize the message, and then click send.