State Senator Bill Lieske (R-Lonsdale) has announced the distribution of the second round of emergency aid to nursing homes in the area. This funding is part of the bipartisan $300 million package passed by the Minnesota Legislature in 2023 to address the crisis facing nursing homes across the state.
“It is great that another round of emergency aid is reaching our local nursing homes,” Senator Lieske said. “This aid will directly benefit many of our loved ones by making sure these facilities can stay open and showing our support for the amazing staff who care for them.”
The nursing home aid package, which has been a top Republican priority, aims to stabilize facilities that have faced severe financial challenges in recent years. While Republicans initially proposed a higher level of assistance, the final bipartisan agreement of 2023 demonstrated the positive outcomes that can be achieved when legislators work across party lines.
“Getting this funding in the hands of nursing homes is a big step forward, but there’s still more work to be done,” Lieske added. “Bipartisanship is key here – if the majority shows a willingness to work together again next year it will be better for the state of Minnesota.”
Nursing Facility Grants totaling $173.5 million were split into two payments in August 2023 and August 2024. The first round of funding was issued last August; the second round of funding was issued at the beginning of August 2024.
The grants can be used for various strategies to improve the financial health of nursing homes. Unlike loans in the Human Service budget, these grants will not need to be repaid, making their impact much more meaningful for nursing homes.
Over the past few years, Minnesota has seen the closure of 50 nursing homes. This funding aims to prevent further shutdowns and maintain critical care services for the state’s aging population.
Facilities in the area receiving funding in this round include:
- Mala Strana Care and Rehab Center, New Prague: $254,786
- Three Links Care Center, Northfield: $302,215
- Trinity Care Center, Farmington: $285,718