The Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities (CGMC) recently recognized Senator Jordan Rasmusson (R-Fergus Falls) as a 2024 Legislator of Distinction. This award is given to legislators who played key roles in advancing CGMC’s policy during the preceding legislative session.

“As a member of the joint legislative committee on EMS issues, Sen. Rasmusson rolled up his sleeves and did the hard work that accompanies problem solving,” Rick Schultz, CGMC president and St. Joseph mayor, said. “His original thinking and inventive approach were key to the creation of the distribution formula that paved the way for the passage of the EMS emergency aid bill, providing critical funding to Greater Minnesota communities.”

During the 2024 legislative session, Sen. Rasmusson was instrumental in passing bipartisan legislation to ensure Minnesotans continue to have access to lifesaving care. This emergency medical services (EMS) aid package provides $24 million to support EMS providers who are focused on services in Greater Minnesota. As reported by the Star Tribune, Sen. Rasmusson created the mathematical formula to distribute funding.

“I am grateful to be recognized by the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities for my work to address key issues facing our EMS providers,” Sen. Rasmusson said. “This aid package serves as a lifeline for this critical service, and the funding proposal is transparent and prioritizes rural communities in most need of help. I will continue to advocate for policies that support the needs of our Greater Minnesota communities.”

Additionally, the EMS aid package provides $6 to launch an innovative sprint medic pilot program for Otter Tail, Grant and St. Louis counties. This will help connect Minnesotans to care more quickly and ensure the correct level of care is provided. The EMS aid package includes key regulatory reforms to address EMS staffing concerns in rural areas. The changes make it easier to be qualified or certified as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Emergency Medical Responder, or Ambulatory EMT.

The CGMC is a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization representing more than 100 cities outside of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The Coalition also educates legislators about issues important to Greater Minnesota.