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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Paul Anderson (R)

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Veterans Day, nursing home visits, ag. conference

Friday, November 13, 2015

Dear Neighbor,

 

 

Before we get into legislative issues, I want to commend those who put on a fantastic Veterans Day ceremony at Minnewaska High School. The community participation is remarkable, with great attendance, practically all ages present and a nice presentation in honor of the men and women of our armed forces who give so much. Thank you, troops, and thank you to the townspeople who attended Veterans Day events locally and throughout the nation Wednesday.

 

 

Spent Tuesday meeting with staff and residents at three area nursing homes (Albany, Melrose and Sauk Centre). The Legislature passed the most comprehensive nursing home funding reform in 30 years, including $138 million in new funding. The key thing is this revenue is not dedicated, meaning the local facility can determine how to best use this income, whether it's to increase staff wages, buy new equipment, or make property enhancements. It will lead to better service and help in keeping good workers on staff.

 

 

The funding increase formally occurs Jan. 1, 2016, but nursing homes in our area already are providing raises to workers. This is good to see because these homes not only provide very important services, but they also are big job providers in smaller towns throughout Greater Minnesota. Our aging society will place an even larger demand on homes as Baby Boomers mature.

 

 

Rep. Joe Schomacker of Luverne chairs the House Aging and Long-Term Care Policy Committee and he was on hand for Tuesday's tour. He was quite appreciative of the warm reception we received at all three homes. It was really neat when the folks at Albany presented us with a thank-you card signed by 40 to 50 staff and residents.

 

 

Thursday was spent at the 48th Minnesota AgriGrowth Council Annual Meeting and Conference in Minneapolis. It was a who's-who in the ag. industry, the premier event each year for ag. and food in Minnesota. A number of speakers made interesting presentations. For example, Michael Swanson, Ph.D., Wells Fargo's chief agricultural economist, provided great insight as to how rising interest rates and a softening U.S. dollar could adversely affect ag.

 

 

Thanks again to men and women who have served our country and we'll be back in touch soon.

 

 

Sincerely,

Paul