News
News related to "advocacy"
Choose an article below to learn more about this topic.
Media Round-up: Advocates from Around the State Share Stories with Their Neighbors
On March 16, 2023 by Libbie Chapuran
Around the state, LeadingAge Minnesota members have been lifting their voices and sharing their stories in the media to advance our goal of supporting seniors and their caregivers through legislative action.
LeadingAge Minnesota Celebrates Return to In-person Advocacy Day at Capitol
On March 16, 2023 by Kayla Khang
Over 100 members came together this week at LeadingAge Minnesota’s Day at the Capitol, the first in-person day since 2019 after years of COVID-related restrictions. The strong showing illustrates that members understand the importance of speaking up and sharing their stories.
Argentum Public Policy Institute Recap
On March 9, 2023 by Mark Schulz
This past week Argentum held its annual Public Policy Institute in Washington, D.C. The public policy event started on Monday afternoon and culminated with staff advocacy visits with Congressional officials in both the U.S. Senate and House on Wednesday.
Tell Congress to Eliminate the 3-Day Hospital Stay Requirement for Skilled Nursing Care
On March 9, 2023 by Libbie Chapuran
Federal law requires an inpatient hospital stay for three consecutive days before Medicare will cover a patient’s care in a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF). However, this three-day qualifying hospital stay requirement has become antiquated and onerous for patients and providers as the care landscape has changed in the nearly 60 years since Medicare was enacted.
February Budget Forecast Shows Unprecedented Opportunity to Address Senior Care Funding Needs
On March 2, 2023 by Jeff Bostic
Minnesota’s updated state economic forecast was released Monday, and Minnesota’s budget and economic outlook remain historically strong, with a $17.5 billion balance projected for the next biennium. The Minnesota Legislature will use this forecast to determine how much money each budget area, including health and human services, will be allowed to spend.
Senate Human Services Holds Hearing on LTC Imperative Priorities
On March 2, 2023 by Erin Huppert
After a blizzard-induced postponement, the Senate Human Services Committee took up three long-term care bills championed by LeadingAge Minnesota and its Long-Term Care Imperative partner on Monday afternoon. The three bills represent the breadth of aging services and the need to ensure they are available for seniors in all the places they call home. All three bills were laid over for inclusion in the committee’s omnibus bill, which will be assembled and passed later this session.
Tune In to Caregiver Conversation – Roundtable with Sen. Frentz and Rep. Brand
On February 23, 2023 by Libbie Chapuran
LeadingAge Minnesota has launched a new series: Caregiver Conversations. We’re helping lawmakers and their constituents have critical conversations about the aging services sector. Then we’re we are sharing the recordings far and wide so Minnesotans and leaders at the Capitol better understand the issues we are facing.
Delivering the Message to Gov. Walz on our Day at the Capitol
On February 23, 2023 by Dan Nelson
Day at the Capitol 2023 is just a few weeks away on March 13. Whether attending or not, you can make your voice heard at the capitol by participating in our letter-writing campaign.
Bill to Create Statewide Paid Family Leave Program Moves Through Legislature
On February 16, 2023 by Erin Huppert
A legislative proposal to create a statewide paid family leave program is moving rapidly through the Legislature this year with implications for employers and their employees.
Build Connections to Make an Impact
On February 16, 2023 by Kari Thurlow
LeadingAge Minnesota is more than an association. It’s a community built on a foundation of meaningful relationships and a common understanding of what it means to be an aging services professional. Our shared experiences help us know deeply the profound impact chronic underfunding of senior care services has on the well-being of professional caregivers, their families, and the people we serve.
LTC Payment Bill Receives Bipartisan Support in House Human Services Committee
On February 2, 2023 by Erin Huppert
This week, the House Human Services Finance Committee heard HF 733, a bill that would facilitate raising wages for professional caregivers in aging services. This important legislation is the top priority of our 2023 legislative agenda, and LeadingAge Minnesota was thrilled to work with bill sponsor Rep. Heather Edelson (DFL-Edina) to produce a strong hearing.
Long-Term Care Messaging Resonates with Minnesotans, According to Polls
On January 26, 2023 by Libbie Chapuran
LeadingAge Minnesota, with our partners in the Long-Term Care Imperative, conducted a statewide public opinion poll to support our legislative agenda in 2023. The poll results affirm and refine the key messages we use and help us target supporters who advocated alongside us throughout the legislative session.
Governor Releases Budget Proposal that Increases Elderly Waiver Rates while Giving Care Centers Almost Nothing
On January 26, 2023 by LeadingAge
This week Governor Tim Walz released his budget proposal, a mixed bag for long-term care providers. While it acknowledges and takes steps to address the underfunding of the Elderly Waiver (EW) program, it does nothing meaningful to address the staffing shortages and resulting access problems in the care center sector.
2023 Legislative Solutions: Defining Solutions that Support Seniors and their Caregivers
On January 19, 2023 by Erin Huppert
In pursuit of our advocacy efforts this year, the Long-Term Care Imperative has created a one-page handout that clearly defines aging services' challenges and outlines the legislative solutions to address them. We encourage you to download and familiarize yourself with our 2023 Legislative Handout.
Gov. Walz Releases Proposed Workforce Budget; Implications for Long-Term Care
On January 19, 2023 by Erin Huppert
This morning, Governor Tim Walz released a preview of his proposed budget addressing Minnesota's workforce challenges. This preview covers a variety of sectors and includes some investments benefitting aging services.
Early Attention Paid to Long-Term Care Funding in Minnesota Senate
On January 12, 2023 by Kayla Khang
The Caregiver Stabilization Act (SF 7) was heard in the Senate Human Services Committee on Monday afternoon.
2023 Legislative Session Begins
On January 5, 2023 by Kayla Khang
Earlier this week, the Minnesota Legislature gaveled in the start of this year's session. LeadingAge Minnesota and our Long-Term Care Imperative partner are prepared to advocate for our members and share our key message throughout the session, which is slated to end in May. With a $17 billion budget surplus, lawmakers must act to ensure access to care for Minnesota's seniors and that caregivers receive the wages they deserve.
With Session Starting Jan. 3, LeadingAge Minnesota Finalizes 2023 Legislative Agenda
On December 22, 2022 by Erin Huppert
The Minnesota Legislature will convene on Jan. 3, 2023. LeadingAge Minnesota has finalized its member-developed, board-approved legislative priorities for the upcoming session. At the top of the list: ensuring providers across the continuum of care have the resources needed to ensure access to care for Minnesota's seniors and pay caregivers the wages they deserve.
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.