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Minnesota Legislature: Impact to Aging Services Webinar
On May 14, 2026 by Sharon Hollister
As the Minnesota legislative session heads toward adjournment, important policy and funding decisions are still unfolding that could impact aging services providers, workforce initiatives, reimbursement, and the older adults across the state.
Human Services Policy Omnibus Bill on Way to Governor; Concerns Remain in Finance Bill
On May 14, 2026 by Erin Huppert
This marks the final week of the 2026 regular legislative session, with lawmakers racing to complete major budget bills, a bonding bill and tax bill.
Over 79% of DLI Ergonomic Safety Grants Awarded to Healthcare Employers
On May 7, 2026 by Mark Schulz
The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) continues to distribute funding through its Workplace Safety Grant Program, with healthcare employers — particularly nursing homes — remaining the primary recipients of ergonomic safety grant awards.
Staffing Mandates Rejected by Senate in Passage of Human Services Bill
On May 7, 2026 by Erin Huppert
On Wednesday, May 6, the Minnesota Senate passed its Human Services Finance Bill, SF4476, on a vote of 35-32. Critically, after tireless advocacy on the part of LeadingAge Minnesota members, a key provision to require nurse staffing ratios in nursing homes and assisted living facilities was removed from the bill prior to its passage.
Policy Omnibus Bills Advance in Legislature
On April 30, 2026 by Erin Huppert
This week, vastly different versions of a Human Services Policy Bill advanced in both the House and Senate.
2026 Day at the Capitol: A Brief Recap
On April 23, 2026 by LeadingAge Minnesota
LeadingAge Minnesota’s 2026 Day at the Capitol was one for the books—an energizing, deeply meaningful day centered on advocacy, connection, and the voices of older adults and the providers who serve them.
Minnesota Lawmakers Release Budget Bills with Impact on Aging Services
On April 16, 2026 by Erin Huppert
This Friday, the legislature will reach its finance deadline, a benchmark that means any bill with fiscal impact must be out of committees and on its way to eventual floor votes. Unlike other years, leadership and the Governor's office did not agree to budget targets for each jurisdiction area.
LeadingAge Minnesota Member Chris Knoll Earns GOP Endorsement for Senate District 21
On April 2, 2026 by Ben Hansen
Chris Knoll, a LeadingAge Minnesota member and CEO of Minnewaska Community Health Services, has secured the Republican endorsement for Minnesota Senate District 21. The endorsement was announced following the district convention, where party delegates selected Knoll as their preferred candidate to succeed retiring Senator Bill Weber.
Stop the Cuts: Urge Legislators to Protect Minnesota Seniors and Long-Term Care
On April 2, 2026 by Kayla Khang
A couple weeks ago, Governor Walz released his supplemental budget proposal, which would make significant cuts to Minnesota’s long-term care system—putting seniors and their caregivers at serious risk during an already critical time.
“Free the Happy Hour” Bill Picks Up Steam—Sparking Legislative Support and National Media Coverage
On March 19, 2026 by Ben Hansen
“Just because we are older, and live in an assisted living, doesn’t mean that we should have fewer freedoms than anyone else.”
Legislation Allowing Resident Happy Hour Without a Liquor Permit Advances in Senate
On March 12, 2026 by Erin Huppert
This week, legislation to exempt senior care settings from needing a liquor license for resident happy hours advanced in the Senate Commerce Committee.
LeadingAge Minnesota Testifies in Opposition to Legislation Attempting to Add Staffing Mandates to Senior Care
On March 5, 2026 by Erin Huppert
This week, the Senate Human Services Committee heard two bills that would adversely affect senior care services.
2026 Session Priorities for Minnesota’s Older Adults
On February 26, 2026 by Erin Huppert
As we previewed in last week’s Capitol Conversations newsletter, we can expect lawmakers this year to focus on messaging bills, sharper partisan contrasts, and a heavy emphasis on positioning rather than policymaking. In an election year, some bills are intended to send a message to potential voters and constituents, rather than become law.
What New Laws Took Effect on July 1, 2025?
On July 3, 2025 by LeadingAge Minnesota
On July 1, 2025, a new wave of legislation officially took effect across Minnesota, introducing changes that will impact aging services providers. Staying informed about these laws is critical for providers to remain compliant and responsive to shifting public policy.
Legislature Releases Draft Health and Human Services Bill
On June 5, 2025 by LeadingAge Minnesota
State legislative leaders have finalized the Human Services Budget Bill at the Capitol. As previously shared with members, the agreement includes several disappointing provisions.
MN Legislative Session Inches Towards Adjournment with a Preliminary Budget Agreement
On May 15, 2025 by Erin Huppert
Legislative leaders and Governor Walz announced this morning that they’ve reached a preliminary budget agreement, with details still being ironed out. As lawmakers shift their attention from policy to omnibus budget bills, LeadingAge Minnesota and our Imperative partner will continue to closely track impacts on aging services. As we learn more, we will share more detailed information on budget bills over the next several days.
Minnesota Legislators Vote on Human Services Omnibus Bills
On May 8, 2025 by LeadingAge Minnesota
This week, lawmakers took significant steps on funding and policy for human services. On Monday, the House of Representatives heard HF2434, the Human Services Finance Omnibus Bill as well as HF2115, the Human Services Policy Omnibus Bill.
Human Services Budget Bills Advance House and Senate Committees with Divergent Priorities
On April 10, 2025 by Erin Huppert
This week, lawmakers worked long hours to construct budget bills that direct spending and cuts over the next two years.
Legislature Releases Budget Targets
On April 3, 2025 by Ben Hansen
Late last week, the House and Senate released budget targets with significant differences. The House proposes $1.1B in cuts this biennium, compared to $754M from the Senate. Those gaps widen in FY2028–29: $2.6B vs. $1.7B, respectively.
PACE Legislation Advances in the House and Senate this Week
On March 27, 2025 by Erin Huppert
This week, legislation that would establish implementation timelines for Program for All Inclusive Care for the Elderly received hearings in the House and Senate Committees on Human Services. Testimony on the bill featured speakers from LeadingAge Minnesota members including Presbyterian Homes and Volunteers of America.