Friends and neighbors,
Governor Walz’s budget proposal for 2025 includes deep cuts to nursing homes and long-term care facilities, putting some of our most vulnerable residents at risk.
If his budget were enacted, these cuts will hit several facilities in our community hard:
- Augustana Lakeside Health Care Center of Dassel – $1,310,787
- Cokato Manor, Inc. – $2,074,528
- Glencoe Regional Health Services – $3,232,344
- Harmony River Living Center (NH) – $2,868,719
- Parkview Home – $1,027,540
- Bayside Manor – $829,520
- The Gardens at Winsted – $1,379,267
That’s more than $12 million in cuts to facilities right here in our district.
This is deeply frustrating because just two years ago, my Republican colleagues and I fought to secure $300 million in emergency funding for nursing homes. That funding was a lifeline for facilities that were in crisis. It kept doors open, staff paid, and vulnerable residents cared for.
Now, those gains are at risk of being wiped out by Gov. Walz. The governor’s plan threatens to push these facilities back to the brink. That is unacceptable.
I don’t have to tell you how critical nursing homes are. They care for our parents, grandparents, and loved ones. They support families in times of need. These cuts would make it even harder for them to provide the care that so many rely on.
I will continue to push to protect nursing homes and long-term care facilities, and to make sure they have the resources they need to keep caring for our vulnerable loved ones.
Eichorn resigns
Serving in the Minnesota Senate comes with its share of challenges and rewards, but this past week was especially difficult. A long-time colleague in the Republican Caucus, someone we’ve worked with for many years, faced serious criminal allegations that deeply shocked us all. In response, our caucus took immediate and decisive action by calling for his immediate resignation and preparing to move forward with expulsion. He resigned on Thursday, and as a result, he is no longer a state senator.
We are ready to refocus on the work at hand this year, like passing a responsible state budget and putting Minnesotans first.
As always, if you have concerns or questions, please reach out any time.
God Bless,