Minnesota Hospital Association

Newsroom

April 08, 2019

MHA Newsline: April 8, 2019

In this issue 

Gov. Walz delivers State of the State; House unveils HHS omnibus bill  

Gov. Walz delivers State of the State
Gov. Walz on April 3 delivered his first State of the State speech, emphasizing his support for access to health care and the repeal of the provider tax sunset. He signaled he may be willing to compromise on reinsurance and called on the Legislature to work together and with him to bring the 2019 legislative session to a successful end by its adjournment on May 20.   

House unveils HHS omnibus bill
The 998-page health and human services (HHS) omnibus bill was released April 2. HF 2414, authored by Rep. Tina Liebling (DFL-Rochester), contains some of MHA’s legislative priorities, including the repeal of the provider tax sunset and funding for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) and other mental health programs. The bill also includes Gov. Walz’s ONECare proposal as well as vulnerable adult protections and licensing for assisted living facilities.   

The omnibus HHS finance bill would be primarily funded in the 2020-21 biennium through a $128.57 million increase from the general fund, totaling about $15 billion in overall spending. The House HHS Finance Committee worked through over 70 amendments over the weekend and the bill is scheduled to be heard in Ways and Means on April 9. The Senate HHS omnibus bills are scheduled to be released April 8 and 9.   

With questions, contact Mary Krinkie, vice president of government relations, MHA, 651-659-1465, or Kristen McHenry, director of state government relations, MHA, 651-603-3526.   

Session bill tracker
For a complete list of 2019 legislative bills MHA is tracking, visit the MHA Member Center. For assistance accessing the Member Center, contact Ashley Beno, member services and communications specialist, MHA, 651-603-3545. return to top   

Minnesota PIPELINE Program training grant application now open

The Minnesota PIPELINE (Private Investment, Public Education, Labor and Industry Experience) Program is an innovative approach to address current and future workforce needs for high-growth industry sectors, including health care services. It serves as a catalyst for developing industry-based, employer-driven, dual-training programs throughout the state. There are $2.7 million in grants available, covering agriculture, manufacturing, information services and health care.  

Dual training, like apprenticeship, is an earn-as-you-learn approach where the employer invests in its employee by building a training infrastructure, developing career pathways and investing in the employee’s education. By leveraging Minnesota’s success with registered apprenticeship and focusing on the targeted industries, the PIPELINE Program is assisting employers to change the question from “How do we get workers with the skills we need?” to “How do we give workers the skills we need?”   

The Dual-Training Grant program can be used to pay for the costs of an employee’s education and related instruction. In health care, the positions eligible for this program are health support specialist, medical assistant, psychiatric/mental health technician (inpatient and outpatient), senior living culinary manager, community health worker and electronic health records manager. The application window for the current round of grants is open through May 10.   

With questions about PIPELINE Dual-Training grants, contact [email protected] or 651-284-5353. return to top   

PAC golf tournament scheduled for July 29

Registration is now open for the Minnesota Hospital Political Action Committee (PAC) golf tournament, which will be held July 29 at Territory Golf Club in St. Cloud. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m., shotgun start at 12:30 p.m., with a dinner buffet and awards to follow at 5 p.m. For more information and to register, contact Andrea Wombacher, division assistant, MHA, 651-603-3539. return to top