News

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.

LeadingAge Minnesota Shares Its 2022 Election Guide

On October 13, 2022 by Erin Huppert

This week, LeadingAge Minnesota releases its 2022 Election Guide in advance of the 2022 General Election on Nov. 8. 

Congressman Emmer Visits Guardian Angels With Members of MN Legislature

On September 1, 2022 by Dan Nelson

Last week, Congressman Tom Emmer joined Guardian Angels CEO Traci Larson, State Rep. Paul Novotny, and State Sen. Mary Kiffmeyer at Guardian Angels Care Center, a skilled nursing community in Elk River. LeadingAge Minnesota staff also attended the meeting.

Adult Day Service Providers Continue to Develop

On August 25, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry

According to the Department of Human Services, a net total of 13 adult day programs closed from 2021 to the midpoint of this year. The availability of adult day services as our state ages is increasingly essential to promote quality of life and health.

2022 Legislative Session Report Now Available

On July 21, 2022 by Erin Huppert

Though the Minnesota Legislature adjourned this year with unfinished business, including a failure to provide funding for wage increases for aging services caregivers, a small number of bills were signed into law.

Election Season Question: Can Political Candidates Access Older Adults in Aging Services Communities?

On July 7, 2022 by Erin Huppert

It's not just the weather heating up: election season is upon us, and candidates seeking elected office in November are hitting the pavement to meet potential constituents. Under Minnesota law, political candidates should be granted access to multi-unit dwellings used as residences, including nursing homes, assisted living buildings, and independent living. Candidates are also permitted to leave materials behind, though nursing homes may require that materials are left at a central location.

Seniors Need Leadership from Lawmakers; Ask Them to Finish Their Work

On June 30, 2022 by Libbie Chapuran

By now, you know that the Minnesota State Legislature adjourned at the end of last month without spending any of the state's $9 billion budget surplus. Even though negotiations have crumbled, we cannot stop our advocacy!

Get Involved

On June 13, 2022 by ecitizen

Elderly Waiver Disproportionate Share Changes Expand Eligibility

On May 26, 2022 by Jeff Bostic

One of the provisions of the Health and Human Services policy bill that passed on the last night of the session made revenue-neutral revisions to the Elderly Waiver Customized Living (EWCL) disproportionate share program for the 2023 calendar year and beyond.

Remote Adult Day Services Incorporated by MN Legislature as an Available Service

On May 26, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry

On Sunday evening, the Minnesota Legislature passed a provision as part of its Health and Human Services Policy bill to allow remote adult day as a service.

Legislative Changes Impact Assisted Living Providers

On May 26, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry

The 2022 legislative session in Minnesota has come to a close. Although our advocacy for funding to support assisted living providers continues, the Minnesota Legislature passed several policy changes affecting assisted living providers.

Legislature Acts to Extend Background Studies Deadline

On May 26, 2022 by LeadingAge

Although the Health and Human Services conference committee could not agree on new funding measures, the committee reached a consensus on a package of policy changes that passed both the Minnesota Senate and House of Representatives on the last day of the legislative session. The policy bill includes two provisions that provide some relief for providers relating to background studies.

Act Now! Advocacy Essential to Ensure Access to Care for Minnesota’s Seniors

On May 19, 2022 by Libbie Chapuran

It’s crunch time on the advocacy front! At the state level, we are in the final days of the legislative session and funding for aging services in still in play. Without our encouragement, funding could easily be left out of a final budget agreement.