Saint Paul, Minnesota – On Thursday, DFL legislators announced a commitment from 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. John Ward (DFL – Baxter), Rep. Joe Radinovich (DFL – Crosby), and other DFL legislators have advocated strongly for nursing homes and long-term care workers.
“After four years of no wage increases, this is good news for our caregivers and nursing homes,” said Rep. Ward. “While it will be difficult to find $150 million in HHS spending cuts, we have to do all we can to protect seniors, the vulnerable, and the poor. We have to do the right thing, and we will.”
The House Health and Human Services committee will continue to work out details as the omnibus budget bill is being constructed.
“Minnesota’s HHS budget has gone through a decade of deep cuts and our work finding reductions and reforms will continue,” said Rep. Radinovich. “But at the end of this budget process, we must pass a budget that is balanced and protects middle-class families and our vulnerable from being squeezed and harmed any more. I’m hopeful we can get that done and this announcement is a step in that direction.”
Reps. Ward and Radinovich encourage constituents to contact them with any questions, comments, concerns, or ideas on any legislative topic. Rep. Ward can be reached by phone at 651-296-4333 or by email at rep.john.ward@house.mn. Rep. Radinovich can be reach by phone at 651-296-2365 or email at rep.joe.radinovich@house.mn.