Feb. 15, 2024
Minnesota Lawmakers Gavel-in the 2024 Legislative Session
On February 15, 2024 by Erin Huppert
The Minnesota Legislature convened this week on Monday, Feb. 12. Legislators are expected to be focused on policy proposals and capital investment – also known as the bonding bill.
Appetite for investments depends on the February Forecast
Interest in and size of a supplemental budget bill will be on hold until the February Forecast is released later this month. As shared previously, the last economic forecast for the state had signaled a $1.2 billion surplus for the remainder of this biennium but a significant structural deficit in the next biennium. If that deficit prediction holds, lawmakers will be very reluctant to spend down this year’s surplus.
Quick start for unfinished 2023 business
Two bills are off to a quick start and are intended to fix legislation passed last year. One is a tax bill to correct errors made in the 2023 Omnibus Tax Bill; the other addresses the controversy over changes to school resource officer policies made last session. These “fix it” bills are consistent with legislators’ pre-session desire to run a limited agenda during a short session.
Our priorities in 2024
The LeadingAge Minnesota Board of Directors has approved a policy agenda for 2024 aimed at:
- Expanding and accelerating workforce pipelines to aging services careers
- Addressing financial payment problems like the 21-month delay for care centers and wage data benchmarks for Elderly Waiver rates and supporting the successful implementation of the Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
- Seeking legislative funding for increasing nursing home workers’ wages
- Securing regulatory simplification and administrative relief for 144G providers
- Improving quality, safety, and training of supplemental nurse agencies and temporary staff
LeadingAge MN and its Long-Term Care Imperative partner have been working with lawmakers to introduce legislation, build champions for support, and get scheduled for hearings.
Your advocacy drives action
Make sure your elected officials hear your voice by contacting them today. Ask them to prioritize seniors and caregivers during the 2024 session!
Additionally, registration is open for LeadingAge Minnesota’s annual Day at the Capitol! Join us on Wednesday, March 20, for advocacy training and legislative visits. Register by March 8 to secure your spot. Get more details in this Advantage story about Day at the Capitol.