Last week saw the announcement and first meeting of the Health and Human Service Conference Committee.
In case you missed it, conference committee members include:
House:
- Rep. Tina Liebling (26A)
- Rep. Rena Moran (65A)
- Rep. Jennifer Schultz (07A)
- Rep. Laurie Halverson (51B)
- Rep. Rod Hamilton (22B)
Senate:
- Sen. Michelle Benson (31)
- Sen. Jim Abeler (35)
- Sen. Paul Utke (02)
- Sen. Scott Jensen (47)
- Sen. John Marty (66)
The committee met last Friday to do walk-through of the committee spreadsheet and took testimony from the commissioners of the Department of Human Services and the Department of Health. The next steps will be walk-through of the side-by-side language and adoption of various provisions. You can view the disability services side-by-side here.
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As we have shared in past updates, there is language in both the Senate and House proposals that we support and oppose. Specifically, we are opposed to the Senate language that would close one adult foster care bed for every two that are vacant for six months or more. If you have relationships with any of the five House member conferees, please reach out to them stating your opposition to that language. You can contact Sara Grafstrom at sgrafstrom@arrm.org with specific messaging.
Today, May 6, is the deadline for which budget targets are scheduled to be released. Next Monday, May 13, is the deadline for the final conference committee reports to be available. Please continue to watch your email for any urgent action alerts that may come out this week. We will keep you posted as best possible with up-to-date information.
Please feel free to contact me with any specific questions you may have.
-- Sara Grafstrom, Director of State and Federal Policy