FSR Legislative Update
Family Service Rochester was very active during this year's state legislative session.
Senior Independence / Age Friendly Olmsted County Supported Creating Live Well at Home Extension Grants - Successful
A new Live Well at Home Grant Extension was created that provides ongoing funding for projects and services with proven outcomes for older adults and persons with dementia. The grant extension improves statewide capacity, sustainability, and stability for home and community-based services (HBCS) and family caregiver supports. Senator Carla Nelson and Representatives Tina Liebling and Kim Hicks were authors on their respective bills.
Family Service Rochester (FSR) initiated this effort as part of the Age-Friendly Olmsted County (AFOC) planning process in early 2022. An objective to reform HBCS state funding for stability and sustainability was included in the AFOC action plan. AARP Minnesota took an early interest in our proposed revisions and was instrumental helping move these through the House and Senate.
FATHER Project Supported Funding and Payment Model - Successful
The legislative session ended well for FATHER Project's $2 million (over 2 years) ask being included in the final Jobs and Labor bill agreement! The Minnesota Department of Employement and Economic Development will not be requiring a Pay for Performance model. FATHER PROJECT supported the advocacy of Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota.
Family Advocacy in Recovery and Restoration (FARR) Supported Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Funding Increase - Successful
FARR staff advocated for the Proof Alliance funding increase of $500k annually for FASD prevention programs that support pregnant and parenting women with histories of alcohol use disorders. FARR supported the advocacy of the Proof Alliance.
FSR Mental Health Staff Supported Mental Health Medical Assistance Reimbursement Rates Increase - Approved but Short of Goal
A 3% increase in the Medical Assistance mental health reimbursement rates was approved which fell short of 35% increase supported by FSR and others.
