Spring Break Site Visits with Your Lawmaker

Posted on March 24, 2022 by Matt Steele

Since August of 2021, several LeadingAge Minnesota members across the state have invited federal and state lawmakers from both political parties into their communities to raise awareness around the growing workforce crisis in long-term care

During these visits, elected officials have heard from caregivers, seniors, and family members of residents about the strain of the workforce shortage and what solutions can provide immediate as well as long-term relief.

To date, the site visits have been effective at deepening critical awareness with key lawmakers. For instance, one lawmaker in a leadership role within the House of Representatives said after a visit, “You’ve officially scared me,” after hearing multiple stories from caregivers about the challenges stemming from workforce shortages each faced since the beginning of the pandemic. Following the visit, that same lawmaker directly contacted the site director to work with them to help find a solution and is now a co-author on legislation we are advocating for this session.

Senator Erin Murphy (D-St. Paul) meets with Matt McNeill, Mary Lally, and other team members from StuartCo

Looking ahead, LeadingAge Minnesota is making a concerted effort to schedule lawmaker visits during the legislative “spring break,” April 9-April 18, to make sure our issues are top of mind prior to end of session negotiations.

During these visits, LeadingAge Minnesota will work with members to raise awareness of the long-term care workforce shortage with lawmakers and share information that is critical to passing legislation to support our initiatives. If you are interested in hosting a lawmaker, please reach out to Matt Steele, LeadingAge Minnesota Director of Government Affairs, for assistance. Thanks to everyone who has hosted a visit so far and we look forward to the important meetings to come!