Senator Jim Abeler (R- Anoka), Chair of the Human Services Reform Committee, released the following statement regarding Gov. Walz’s most recent LCRC funding request: 

“I am supportive of the homeless funding proposals for Ramsey and Hennepin counties in the latest LCRC request. However, I continue to be disappointed Gov. Walz has done nothing to support the beleaguered and collapsing non-emergency medical transportation system, or given any significant attention to the ongoing emergency crisis in nursing and group homes.   

“The transportation needs could be relieved with a few million dollars to address the insufficient rates and surging fuel costs. This would ensure Medicaid clients we are responsible for are able to get their critical and life-saving treatments. Senate Republicans fought for this funding for the entire session.   

“Sadly, Gov. Walz has never acknowledged the crisis playing out across the state in nursing and group homes and ignored those who rallied at his residence in St. Paul last week. The paucity of funding that he finally provided after session would give only minimal relief while the collapse of these services continues. The Senate proposed funding to stabilize the industry and provide the care and support our nursing and group home residents, and their families, deserve. Ignoring the problem will not make it go away. I urge Gov. Walz to consider real solutions to address these critical and immediate needs.”