Long-Term Care Imperative Testifies About Workforce Challenges Before Senate Human Services Committee

Posted 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.

This lame-duck hearing presented an excellent opportunity to frame our 2023 legislative agenda on our terms:

• Our workforce shortage is the chief driver of reduced access to care for seniors across the state.
• Seniors and their families are waiting for care because there are insufficient caregivers. Whether from hospitals or within our local communities, seniors were denied admission to long-term care settings 11,000 in October alone.
• Our professional caregivers cannot earn the wages needed to support their families; meanwhile, more competitive wages are available from other jobs.
• To rebuild our workforce, recognize the value of our talented caregivers, and restore access to care, we need financial investment from the Minnesota Legislature during the 2023 session.

You can view a hearing recording on the Senate’s Media page.