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State Budget Forecast Warns of Potential Deficit
On December 5, 2024 by Kayla Khang
Minnesota lawmakers may be forced to consider budget cuts to prevent a potential deficit in future years, according to yesterday’s budget and economic forecast.
Budget Targets Released for Finance Committees
On March 28, 2024 by Erin Huppert
Legislative leaders and Governor Walz also released budget targets this week, which outline parameters for handling Minnesota’s $3.1 billion surplus for the remainder of this biennium. This is a critical step in the legislative session, giving a clearer picture of the advocacy that must be done throughout the remainder of the session to ensure seniors have access to the care they need in all the places they call home.
Becerra Addresses Top Aging Issues Before House Committee
On March 30, 2023 by Libbie Chapuran
On March 28, US Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra appeared before the House Ways and Means Committee to discuss the President’s FY24 budget proposal. Top aging services issues were discussed, such as the Three-Day Hospital Stay Requirement, Nursing Home Mandatory Staffing Ratios, and Home and Community Based Services (HCBS).
February Budget Forecast Shows Unprecedented Opportunity to Address Senior Care Funding Needs
On March 2, 2023 by Jeff Bostic
Minnesota’s updated state economic forecast was released Monday, and Minnesota’s budget and economic outlook remain historically strong, with a $17.5 billion balance projected for the next biennium. The Minnesota Legislature will use this forecast to determine how much money each budget area, including health and human services, will be allowed to spend.
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.
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.
At the Capitol: Minnesota Senate Hears Long-Term Care Relief Bills
On February 17, 2022 by Matt Steele
This week, the Minnesota Senate discussed two bills aimed at helping to resolve the workforce crisis in long-term care. The proposals contain funding for the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), hiring and retention bonuses, education and training grants, temporary regulatory changes for retired and out-of-state nurses to practice, modification of training requirements in long-term care settings, and a correction program for sites to work with MDH on technical issues.
At the Capitol: Historic Session Kicks-Off with $7.7 Billion Surplus
On February 3, 2022 by Matt Steele
On Monday, lawmakers gathered back in Saint Paul to begin the 2022 legislative session with a projected $7.7 billion surplus top of mind for most at the Capitol. About four months before adjournment on May 23, LeadingAge Minnesota and our partner in the Long-Term Care Imperative are seeking support from the state to pay caregivers the wages they deserve and ensure access to care in all the places seniors call home.
Forecasted Record-Level State Surplus Represents Opportunity for Investment
On December 9, 2021 by Jeff Bostic
Earlier this week, the Minnesota Department of Management and Budget released an updated state budget forecast projecting a $7.7 billion surplus of revenue over expenses in its general fund. The surplus shows that the state is weathering the pandemic well and allows lawmakers to make permanent investments in professional caregivers.
At the Capitol: Vaccine Rollout Remains Top Priority for Lawmakers
On March 3, 2021 by Matt Steele
As March begins, state health officials reported a new vaccine milestone. As of March 2, 53% of Minnesota seniors received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Building off this announcement, Governor Tim Walz stated that his administration will not move on from the current vaccine distribution phase until 70% of Minnesotan’s ages 65 and over have been fully vaccinated. With the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine arriving in Minnesota this week, Walz believes the state can reach the 70% senior benchmark by April. Here is what you need to know about what’s happening at the Capitol:
At the Capitol: Legislature Prepares for February Forecast Release
On February 24, 2021 by Matt Steele
The Minnesota Office of Management and Budget will release the February Forecast, a major indicator of the financial health of the state, this Friday afternoon. Lawmakers and policy experts anticipate an improved economic situation from the December Forecast and are beginning to have conversations on how it will influence the two-year budget-making process already well underway. Here is what you need to know about what’s happening at the Capitol:
At the Capitol: Senate Committees Host Hearings about Vaccine Rollout
On February 17, 2021 by Matt Steele
With Governor Walz announcing a loosening of social and business restrictions, the legislature is giving greater attention to the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine. This week, lawmakers will be focusing on how the vaccine is affecting virus infection rates as well as its disbursement to vulnerable population groups, especially seniors. Here is what you need to know about what’s happening at the Capitol:
At the Capitol: Committees on Human Services and Taxes Hear LTC-focused Bills
On February 10, 2021 by Matt Steele
With about a month to go until the first of three lawmaking deadlines, policy makers are shepherding numerous bills through the committee process, in particular, legislation that allows for providers to have extra time to get background reviews completed for their employees following the expiration of the public health emergency. Here is what you need to know about what’s happening at the Capitol:
At the Capitol: Senate Committee Takes Closer Look at COVID-19 Effects on Nursing Home Funding
On February 3, 2021 by Matt Steele
With one month of the legislative session complete, lawmakers are in full swing putting together a budget for 2022-2023 Governor Walz introduced his budget proposal last week and lawmakers have turned their attention to examining the details of that proposal this week. Here is what you need to know about what’s happening at the Capitol:
At the Capitol: No Cuts for Senior Services in Walz Budget
On January 27, 2021 by Matt Steele
As the legislature enters the last week of January, the pace of the legislative session has picked up and Governor Walz has released his proposed 2022-2023 budget, which holds senior services harmless. Here’s what you need to know about what’s happening at the Capitol:
Schowalter Returns as MMB Commissioner
On August 19, 2020 by Jeff Bostic
With Minnesota facing a projected $4.7 billion budget shortfall, Gov. Tim Walz tapped a familiar face and state budget expert, Jim Schowalter, to return as commissioner of Minnesota Management and Budget.
Governor’s Budget Cuts Care Center Funding, Assumes Fee-Drive Approach to Assisted Living Oversight
On February 20, 2019 by Jeff Bostic
Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan yesterday released the One Minnesota budget that proposes to spend $49 billion in the next two years on a wide range of priorities. The budget contained mixed news for older adult services. While it supports the interim work on older adult protection, the budget does not include increased Elderly Waiver funding, only partially funds the DWRS increase for adult day providers, assumes a fee-driven approach for assisted living providers and reduces Value-Based Reimbursement for care centers.