As baby boomers move into retirement, communities can reap benefits from this age wave if they create an environment and amenities that attract seniors.
Rep. Paul Thissen (DFL-Mpls) sponsors HF936 that would “begin to set policy and institutions in place that will allow people to age in their communities.”
Approved Feb. 24 by the House Health Care and Human Services Policy and Oversight Committee, the bill was sent to the House State and Local Government Operations Reform, Technology and Elections Committee.
The bill specifies criteria for a Communities for a Lifetime state designation. To achieve the rating, a community would need to have in place the housing, transportation, volunteer services, nutrition programs and medical services that would allow people to live in their community as they age, Thissen said.
The bill requires the Minnesota Board of Aging, in cooperation with the commissioner of employment and economic development, to establish a task force to explore issues related to the designation, and bring an implementation plan to the Legislature by Jan. 31, 2010. Based on the recommendations, the commissioner would be required to draft legislation by February 28, 2010 for consideration.
“What attracted me to this bill is the process ... these communities having to think through the steps to become good communities that are supportive and open to elderly people living in their community,” said Rep. Steve Gottwalt (R-St. Cloud). He added that it is more than a “feel good bill,” and that delivery of services at the community level will become increasingly important. “This process could actually be very beneficial in building capacity across the state.”
The companion, SF839, is sponsored by Sen. Kathy Sheran (DFL-Mankato). It awaits a hearing by the Senate Health, Housing and Family Security Committee.
HHS bill is DOA but hoping for CPR
Supporters cite gaining federal funds, governor concerned about spending
(view full story)
Published 5/13/2010
House passes HHS budget bill
Members reluctantly vote for cuts; governor says bill is too costly
(view full story)
Published 5/6/2010
Not cutting as deep
Although painful now, omnibus HHS budget bill could set stage for reform
(view full story)
Published 4/29/2010
Revisiting GAMC
Program participation questionable, hospitals favor earlier federal reform
(view full story)
Published 4/22/2010
A distress call for SOS?
State Operated Services plans programmatic redesign, amidst criticism
(view full story)
Published 4/22/2010
Minnesota Index: Health coverage
Figures and statistics on health coverage and other vitals
(view full story)
Published 4/22/2010
Inking a deal for donors
State oversight of body arts could reduce donor deferrals
(view full story)
Published 4/15/2010
Nursing a level playing field
Sides differ on who should pay for nursing home costs
(view full story)
Published 4/8/2010
Saying ‘sorry’
House resolution would apologize for practices done decades ago
(view full story)
Published 3/25/2010
And the cupboard is bare
More Minnesotans struggle to put food on the table
(view full story)
Published 2/25/2010
Future of GAMC uncertain
Legislators consider health care for state’s poor, sick
(view full story)
Published 2/11/2010
At Issue: Health care law quagmire
Sustainability at issue in law line-item vetoed by governor
(view full story)
Published 5/29/2009
At Issue: More compromise, more reductions
Cuts in health and human services finance bill called ‘painful’
(view full story)
Published 5/15/2009
At Issue: Cuts hang in the balance
Much depends on tax increases
(view full story)
Published 5/1/2009
At Issue: Providing ‘pretty darn good coverage’
A new approach to public health could save millions in benefits, advocates say
(view full story)
Published 4/10/2009
First Reading: Complex problem, complex solution
Cuts to health and human services could create reform opportunity
(view full story)
Published 4/3/2009
Minnesota Index: Health boards
Figures and statistics on health licensing board in Minnesota
(view full story)
Published 3/13/2009
At Issue: Medical marijuana
Controversial treatment clears first committee hurdle
(view full story)
Published 2/20/2009
Minnesota Index: Less lighting up
Figures and statistics on smoking in Minnesota
(view full story)
Published 2/20/2009