Missed Week at the Capitol? It’s Not Too Late to Become an Advocate

Posted on March 24, 2021 by Matt Steele

As we approach the midway point of the legislative session, LeadingAge Minnesota members virtually gathered for our largest advocacy event of the year, the Week at the Capitol. LeadingAge Minnesota members met with over 40 lawmakers from around the state, including Senate and House legislative leaders, to make their voices heard and advance important policy initiatives for seniors and their caregivers.

If you missed the Week at the Capitol, it’s not too late to become an advocate. You can review the materials covered and TAKE ACTION to make sure your voice is heard!

Advocacy Education Day
On Monday, LeadingAge Minnesota held three advocacy training sessions that offered an update on the legislative session, insight into the long-term care policy proposals, tips on how to advocate with lawmakers, and communication strategies to help amplify member voices. Following the sessions, we had short discussions on the broader political context at the Capitol and further details surrounding provisions in our bills.

Virtual Rally and Leaders Panel
On Tuesday morning, LeadingAge members gathered again to listen to a panel discussion between Senator Karin Housley, Chair of the Senate Aging and Long-Term Care Policy Committee and Senator Kent Eken. LeadingAge Minnesota Board Chair Erin Hilligan asked several questions from the Senators around what to expect this legislative session when it comes to member policy priorities. It became clear by the end of the conversation that each Senator will be a strong voice for long-term care issues and will remain focused on working in a bipartisan manner to see legislation around aging become law.

Meetings with Lawmakers
Following the virtual rally, members began meeting with dozens of lawmakers to discuss their long-term care policy priorities and share their stories of being on the frontline throughout the pandemic. During the next three days, members met with over 40 elected officials like Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka, House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler, and Senate Minority Leader Susan Kent.  In general, lawmakers were very receptive to our legislative initiatives. In one meeting, a member shared with a Representative how beneficial LeadingAge Minnesota’s “Hero Pay” legislation would be to their providers. By the end of the conversation, the legislator asked to be a co-author on the proposal.

Reflection and Next Steps
After several days of meeting with lawmakers, LeadingAge Minnesota members and staff gathered on Friday morning to reflect and share about the Week at the Capitol experience.

Couldn't attend LeadingAge Minnesota’s Week at the Capitol? No problem! You can make a difference by contacting your legislators by email. To TAKE ACTION, enter your address, either for your home or for your setting, to contact the legislators that represent you and personalize the pre-written letter to share your story. You can also share the action alert with your coworkers. Use this link to share: https://p2a.co/e5dQHwJ.

If you would like to meet with your lawmaker at any time, contact us! We can help with any and all aspects of your advocacy. Each week during the legislative session, follow Advantage for regular updates about what’s happening at the Capitol.