The Mayor says: "Let's fund our Nursing Homes!"

I applaud Representative Seifert on this important issue.

We have large nursing home in Clarissa. This is important for the care and economy of people in Northern Todd County. It is an important issue for rural Minnesota and we need to let our legislator's know we support smart funding and additionally true reform that will make our system better for everyone.

House Republicans part ways with Pawlenty over nursing homes
Associated Press
Last update: March 17, 2008 - 12:58 PM

ST. PAUL - House Republicans disagree with Governor Pawlenty's budget plans for nursing homes.

Minority Leader Marty Seifert says nursing homes were shortchanged last session and his members don't support Pawlenty's proposals to delay state aid for nursing homes and other long-term care providers.

Instead, Seifert wants to take extra dollars collected for the MinnesotaCare health plan for the working poor, and send them to nursing homes.

He says his plan for a 2 1/4 percent increase to nursing homes would cost about $30 million — an amount that would be more than covered by a surplus in the Health Care Access Fund.

Anticipating debate with Democrats over the fund's purpose, Seifert says nursing homes are the major health care providers in many communities.

Pawlenty also wants to tap the health care fund to avoid cuts in health and human services.