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

Posted 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!

This week, yet another nursing home announced it will soon close its doors, one of six this year alone. Aging services like skilled nursing, assisted living, and adult day are facing dire circumstances due largely to the Legislature's inaction. The reimbursement system for services isn't keeping up with the cost of care for seniors, and it's the state's responsibility to fix it.

We must share our profound disappointment with the lawmakers who prioritized partisan politics above the needs of Minnesota's seniors. And we must ask yet again for them to call a special session to finish their work.

We won't let lawmakers forget that we need action, even when they're not in St. Paul.

Contact your lawmaker. Ask them to keep working to ensure professional caregivers are paid the wages they deserve and seniors have access to care when and where they need it.

Adequate funding for senior care is a state responsibility and a moral imperative. Seniors and their caregivers need lawmakers to step up, make tough decisions, and invest in Minnesotans in a time of deep need. Let’s ask lawmakers to finish their work and invest in professional caregivers to ensure access to care for Minnesota's seniors.