Saint Paul, Minnesota – State Representative Patti Fritz (DFL – Faribault) joined State Rep. Tom Huntley (DFL – Duluth), chair of the Health and Human Services Finance committee, and other DFL legislators to announce a commitment from the House DFL leadership that long-term care workers would not see a reduction in funding this biennium, and in fact, they will in all likelihood see an increase within the House Health and Human Services finance bill. While the House budget targets call for a $150 million reduction in total HHS spending in order to keep downward pressure on rising healthcare costs, Rep. Fritz and other DFL legislators have advocated strongly for nursing homes and long-term care workers.
“This is good news for our nursing homes and caregivers,” said Fritz. “Caregivers and care facilities are under-funded throughout the state and our long-term care workers have not received a wage increase in four years. We believe increasing funding for nursing homes is the right thing to do and we are pleased that we are able to announce the support of House DFL leadership in this effort today.”
Fritz said the House Health and Human Services committee will continue to work out details as the omnibus budget bill is being constructed. She acknowledged that difficult choices remain to reduce HHS spending by $150 million.
“Our work isn’t done yet, and finding $150 million in reductions will not be easy given the deep cuts we have seen over the past decade,” said Fritz. “However, I am optimistic about the progress we are making and know that many legislators - hopefully in both parties - are interested in building a budget that is balanced and that protects middle class families and the most vulnerable Minnesotans from being squeezed any further.”
Rep. Fritz can be reached by phone at (651) 296-8237 or by email at rep.patti.fritz@house.mn.
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