In response to the recommendations issued today by the elder care work group, Senator Karin Housley (R-St. Mary’s Point), chairwoman of the Senate Aging and Long-Term Care Policy Committee, issued the following statement:

“The work group convened last year to make recommendations on elder care in Minnesota released their final report this afternoon. The work group’s recommendations underscore the need for swift action in addressing the care of elderly and vulnerable Minnesotans. These are our moms and dads, our brothers and sisters, and our neighbors and friends, and they have been left in the dark for too long.

“When the work group was called on last year to discuss paths forward in addressing the health and safety of the elderly and vulnerable, we knew there would be much work to do. In the coming weeks, I will be introducing legislation aimed at addressing some of these critical policy areas. My priority will be on creating a more transparent, accountable process for facility complaints, providing better access to data sharing for families and caregivers, and working to change the culture of neglect and intimidation within the state bureaucracy.

“Working with my colleagues, the administration, stakeholder and advocacy groups, victims, families, and other concerned citizens, I will do everything I can this session to make sure no Minnesotan is left behind. I expect to hold a committee hearing in the very near future to review these recommendations and chart a course forward.

“Elderly and vulnerable Minnesotans, and their families, have suffered for too long due to bureaucratic backlogs and inaction. We’re going to get them answers, accountability, and action this session.”

Senator Karin Housley is in her second term representing Senate District 39, which includes Stillwater, Forest Lake, Lake Elmo, and other communities in Chisago and Washington counties. She serves as chairwoman of the Aging and Long-Term Care Policy Committee.