In
this issue
Leaders
reach budget agreement
On the evening of May 19, with barely 24 hours remaining in the
2019 legislative session, Gov. Tim Walz and legislative leaders reached agreement on a $48 billion two-year state
budget. The global agreement includes the provider tax at a reduced rate of
1.8% with no sunset as well as two more years of reinsurance. The leaders also
agreed to remove controversial issues such as the ONECare insurance proposal
and abortion-related proposals.
The HHS Conference Committee has been given a very small $55 million spending
target and is now tasked with working out the final budget details. MHA will
continue to advocate for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics
(CCBHCs), pediatric residential treatment beds and compliance with the federal
outpatient drug rule. Conference committees have been asked to complete
their work by 5 p.m. today with the intention to come back for a one-day
special session on May 23 to pass conference committee reports.
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
Apply
for appointment to broadband task force
The Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office published notice of 15
open seats to be filled on the Governor’s Task Force on Broadband. The task
force is responsible for developing, implementing and promoting state broadband
policy, planning and initiatives; inventorying, assessing and reporting on
various aspects of broadband; and developing a Minnesota Broadband Plan
outline. The governor is seeking to appoint representatives of urban and rural
communities, consumers, education systems, health care and telecommunications
companies.
MHA has long supported state and federal efforts to expand access to broadband
throughout Minnesota. MHA encourages member leaders who are interested in
broadband issues to seek appointment and help convey the important health care
needs and concerns associated with broadband policy.
Information and links to apply for appointment can be found on the secretary of state’s website. return to top
Participate
in Assault Survivor Kits evaluation survey
Assistance League of Minneapolis/St. Paul, in partnership with
the Minnesota Hospital Association, provides Assault Survivor Kits free of
charge to hospital emergency rooms and clinics throughout Minnesota. The goal
of these kits is to comfort victims of sexual assault by providing needed
toiletry and clothing items for distribution at hospital emergency rooms and
clinics.
To assess the effectiveness of these kits and the program, Assistance League of
Minneapolis/St. Paul is conducting a brief online survey. MHA members are asked to share
this survey with staff who use the kits. The survey will be open until May 27.
Survey responses will help determine the most important items to include in the
kits.
Assault Survivor Kits are free to all Minnesota hospitals and contain a
t-shirt, sweatpants, socks, underwear, a sports bra and toiletries. To order
Assault Survivor Kits for your hospital, please visit the MHA store or contact Sarah Bohnet,
visual communications specialist/division assistant, MHA, 651-603-3494. return to top
Next
issue of Newsline will be published May 28
The next issue of Newsline will be published on
May 28 due to the Memorial Day holiday. return to top