News

DHS Sends Out Application and Instructions for Minimum Wage Add-On for Nursing Homes

On August 21, 2025 by Jeff Bostic

The 2025 Legislature approved a temporary rate add-on to cover the cost of raising employees to the minimum wage levels passed by the Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board. This step was taken based on strong advocacy by the LTC Imperative. We have long-argued, even before the Board’s creation, that any standards it approves which increase costs for providers must have upfront funding to be workable. 

Application Details

DHS has now developed an application and written instructions to apply for the rate add-on. They also recently produced an instructional video that talks through how nursing homes should complete the application.  

The add-on will be calculated using two months of actual wage data for individuals below the minimum standards, then annualized and calculated as a per day rate adjustment that will appear on nursing homes’ 2026 and 2027 rates in the external fixed category where it is not subject to the operating rate caps that will apply starting in 2026. Applications must be submitted by October 1 to receive a rate increase, so member nursing homes are strongly encourage to complete and return the application forms to DHS quickly. 

DLI Reminds Employers of Jan. 1 Minimum Wage Increase

On August 29, 2024 by Mark Schulz

The Department of Labor and Industry is reminding employers that Minnesota’s minimum-wage rate will be adjusted for inflation on Jan. 1, 2025, to $11.13 an hour for all employers in the state.

Comment Letter Thank You and Action Alert for Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board

On July 25, 2024 by Mark Schulz

Yesterday afternoon (Wednesday, Jul. 24) marked the closing of the public comment period on the first Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board proposed rule about minimum wages.

Department of Labor Issues Rule Increasing Minimum Hourly Wage for Federal Contractors

On December 2, 2021 by Jonathan Lips

On Nov. 24, the United States Department of Labor (DOL) published a final rule increasing the minimum hourly wage for federal contractors to $15 beginning Jan. 30, 2022. This document finalizes regulations to implement an Executive Order signed by President Biden in April and moves the hourly minimum up from its current level of $10.95.

Biden Issues Executive Order on Increasing the Minimum Wage for Federal Contractors

On May 5, 2021 by Jonathan Lips

On April 27, President Biden issued an Executive Order to increase the federal minimum wage for employees of federal contractors to $15 per hour.

Sign of The Times? Saint Paul Approves $15 Minimum Wage

On November 20, 2018 by Jodi Boyne

The Saint Paul City Council last week approved a $15 minimum wage ordinance that will be phased in at different levels over a period of three to eight years, beginning in 2020, depending on the size of the business.