Saint Paul, Minnesota – Yesterday, DFL legislators announced 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, State Representative Mary Sawatzky (DFL – Willmar) and other DFL legislators have advocated strongly for nursing homes and long-term care workers.
“After a decade of cuts and four years of wage freezes for caregivers, this increased funding is desperately needed,” said Rep. Sawatzky. “I’m very pleased that House DFL leadership committed to increasing funding for our nursing homes. It’s absolutely the right thing to do.”
The House Health and Human Services committee will continue to work out details as the omnibus budget bill is being constructed.
“It won’t be easy, but we will continue to work to find reductions and reforms to slow the growth in spending on Health and Human Services,” added Rep. Sawatzky. “In doing so however, we must do all we can to ensure that any reductions will not hurt our seniors, disabled, poor, and vulnerable. I’m optimistic and hopeful we can get it done.”
Rep. Sawatzky encourages constituents to contact her with any questions, comments, concerns, or ideas on any legislative topic. Rep. Sawatzky can be reached by phone at 651-296-6206 or by email at rep.mary.sawatzky@house.mn. Constituents can also visit Rep. Sawatzky’s AreaVoices blog, legislative page and sign up for email updates.