LeadingAge Minnesota

Welcome Matt Steele to the LeadingAge Minnesota Advocacy Team

On January 20, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran

We are happy to announce that Matt Steele has joined LeadingAge Minnesota as the Director of Government Affairs. Matt joins the advocacy team, focusing his work on legislative policy solutions.

2021 Minnesota Legislative Session Kicks Off This Week

On January 6, 2021 by Kari Thurlow

Minnesota’s 2021 legislative session began Tuesday at noon, but thanks to the record seven special sessions held from June through December, it feels like the 2020 session never really ended.

Election News: Balance of Power Likely to Remain the Same in MN Legislature

On November 4, 2020 by Kari Thurlow

As of the writing of this article, votes are still being counted in several close races in St. Cloud, Rochester, Austin and a few key suburbs, however, it is looking like there will not be a major shift in party control in the Minnesota Legislature. Minnesota entered the 2020 election with the only divided Legislature in the country. DFLers were seeking to gain control over the Minnesota Senate, allowing for single party control of the state Government, something that hasn’t happened since 2013. It needed only to knock off two Republican incumbents and hold its own seats to retake the Senate.

Tell Congress to Finish the Job

On August 19, 2020 by Libbie Chapuran

Join providers across the Nation to call on Congress to provide immediate relief to aging services providers.

We are severely disappointed that Congress did not reach an agreement on the next COVID-19 relief package.

Legislators Kick-Off the 2020 Legislative Session; We’re Ready to Advocate for You

On February 12, 2020 by Libbie Chapuran

Yesterday marked the first day of Minnesota’s 2020 legislative session and we are ready to advocate for you, maximizing our time at the State Capitol advocating for several public policy solutions this session that will benefit the seniors you serve and their caregivers.  

Advocacy: Bring Our Issues to Life through Storytelling

On January 14, 2020 by Jodi Boyne

Sometimes data just isn’t enough. Storytelling is the most powerful tool to affect change. We need your help to bring the issues we advocate for on behalf of the people you serve to life. Help us tell the story:  

Join LeadingAge Capitol Hill Insights Call on Nov. 21

On November 13, 2019 by Jodi Boyne

Get the latest scoop on what is happening in Congress and how we can work together to accomplish our important legislative agenda. Join the LeadingAge Capitol Hill Insights call on Nov. 21 at 1 p.m.  

Federal Policy Update; Capitol Hill Insights Call on Oct. 24

On October 15, 2019 by Jodi Boyne

In late September, Congress passed a continuing resolution that funds federal programs through Nov. 21. This means there is much work to be done when Congress returns from recess this month. LeadingAge has provided a Federal Policy Update on issues that matter most to you and will cover key issues on its Capitol Hill Insights call on Oct. 24.  

U.S. Representative Stauber Co-Sponsors Nursing Home Workforce Quality Act

On April 16, 2019 by Jodi Boyne

U.S. Representative Pete Stauber (R-MN) is co-sponsoring legislation to eliminate the rigid provisions of the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training lock-out and grant the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) greater flexibility in reinstating provider CNA training programs.  

2019 Legislative Session Underway – Watch Our Session Preview Webinar

On January 8, 2019 by Libbie Chapuran

Yesterday marked the start of Minnesota’s 2019 legislative session, and we know now who will lead two key state agencies that impact our members and the people they serve – the Minnesota Department of Health and the Minnesota Department of Human Services.  

FREE! 2019 Legislative Preview Webinar – Jan. 8

On December 31, 2018 by Libbie Chapuran

The Minnesota Legislature is scheduled to convene on Tuesday, Jan. 8 and aging services providers have a lot at stake. Don’t miss a free, one-hour webinar on Jan. 9 for insights into the current political environment, our priorities at the Capitol, and ways you can support our advocacy efforts.  

State Budget Surplus Grows, Economic Growth Predicted to Slow

On December 12, 2018 by Kari Thurlow

Minnesota’s latest budget forecast was released last week, showing a $1.544 billion surplus for the next biennium but also predicting a slowdown in economic growth. Positive reaction to the state budget surplus at the State Capitol was accompanied with a note of caution. 

Aging Committees Return for 2019-2020 Session

On December 5, 2018 by Libbie Chapuran

Aging committees will return in both chambers of the Legislature for the 2019-2020 legislative session.   

Moving Forward After the Election

On November 14, 2018 by Kari Thurlow

A week has passed since the 2018 election, and lawmakers are already planning for a transition in government and leadership come January. In this week’s election perspective, we share new insight into the Governors’ transition team and legislative leadership and kick off our call for grassroots advocacy. There are a lot of new faces in the Minnesota Legislature, particularly in the suburbs, and we need your support in helping them learn more about our issues before session starts in January.   

The DC Perspective: Aging Services After the 2018 Midterm Election

On November 14, 2018 by Jodi Boyne

The midterm election brought some big changes for members of Congress with jurisdiction over aging services issues, as well as a fresh outlook on what may be accomplished in the upcoming lame duck session and in the new Congress that will convene in January. 

DFL Sweeps Statewide Offices, Flips Minnesota House

On November 7, 2018 by Jodi Boyne

When the votes were tallied last night, there was no denying the DFL in Minnesota. DFL candidates for statewide office were victorious in all races, the Minnesota House of Representatives flipped from Republican to DFL control and the DFL in Minnesota flipped two key seats to help Democrats regain control of the U.S. House of Representatives.   

Providers Need to Allow Access with Limited Exceptions when Candidates Come Knocking

On October 2, 2018 by Kari Thurlow

As we near election day in Minnesota, candidates for political office may be reaching out to nursing homes and assisted living settings to get access to their buildings for door knocking or lit-dropping. We want to reminder providers that Minnesota law makes clear that candidates should only be denied access to multiple unit dwellings in limited settings.  

Spirit of Advocacy: Christine Bakke and Rob Lahammer

On September 25, 2018 by Jodi Boyne

Christine Bakke, CEO/Administrator, Madonna Towers and Rob Lahammer, Executive Director of Customer Engagement, Employee Engagement and Advocacy, Presbyterian Homes and Services were the recipients of this year’s Spirit of Advocacy award. The awards were announced at last week’s Annual Meeting and Leadership Forum. 

Help Workers with Temporary Immigrant Status Remain on the Job

On September 11, 2018 by Jodi Boyne

The temporary protected status provided to immigrants from El Salvador, Nicaragua, Haiti and other countries is being terminated. Many of these foreign-born people, who work in the long-term services and supports field, will face deportation.

No Significant Changes in Medicaid on Congressional Agenda before November Elections

On July 10, 2018 by Jodi Boyne

As Congress broke for it July 4 recess, LeadingAge provided an update on where our legislative and regulatory issues stand on Capitol Hill and in the federal agencies.