ST. PAUL – The Minnesota House of Representatives is currently debating the Omnibus Health and Human Services Finance bill which is expected to pass later this evening. The bill eliminates $150 million from the HHS budget over two years through targeted cuts and reforms.
“Strategic cuts had to be made in this bill,” said Rep. Zachary Dorholt (DFL-St. Cloud). “Making these cuts is difficult, but necessary, as we work to reduce the $627 million budget shortfall and pay back the $854 million still owed to schools. We have put forth a bill that protects our seniors and most vulnerable Minnesotans while reducing spending in this large budget area.”
The bill protects seniors and Minnesota’s most vulnerable citizens and provides the first funding increase to nursing homes and long-term care facilities in over four years. Nursing home providers will see a 3 percent cost-of-living increase and long-term care providers will see a 2 percent cost-of-living increase through this bill. An amendment offered by Rep. Jay McNamar (DFL-Elbow Lake), passed on a bipartisan vote and will reduce the existing nursing home surcharge by $440 per bed.
“The rate increase to nursing homes is much-needed and will help nursing homes reduce employee turnover,” commented Rep. Dorholt. “We need to make sure that our nursing homes and long-term care facilities are providing quality care to our seniors in Greater Minnesota.”
In addition, the bill provides funding for school-based mental health services. 21 percent of children between the ages of 9 and 17 have a mental illness or substance use disorder, and only 20 percent of these kids receive treatment.
"As someone who works in the mental health field, I know this is one of the most important investments we will be making this year. Providing mental health services in schools is a proven strategy to help at-risk kids and families,” said Rep. Dorholt. “This is the first time that we are really addressing mental health in schools and as a counselor I think it’s a cost-effective and forward-thinking initiative to help our kids.”
Rep. Dorholt can be reached by phone at (651) 296-6612 or by email at rep.zachary.dorholt@house.mn.
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