As you know, I have always been a strong supporter of Minnesota’s first responders. They are the backbone of public safety, often standing between life and death in critical moments.
Over the last few years, I heard from a lot of EMS providers who were on the brink of a crisis due to a lack of resources. Despite the extreme partisanship of the last couple of years at the capitol, at the end of the 2024 session we secured a rare and encouraging bipartisan victory: the $24 million emergency aid package for rural EMS providers.
This funding will help ensure that essential services remain available in Greater Minnesota communities, where the challenges of staffing, equipment, and response times are most acute.
On December 26, EMS providers across the state will begin receiving aid payments. In our district alone, nearly $400,000 will go to:
- North Memorial Ambulance – Faribault: $143,315.04
- North Memorial Ambulance – Waseca: $155,478.32
- Wells Community Ambulance Service: $96,484.14
These funds, part of a larger $30 million legislative package, represent a much-needed lifeline for services that have been stretched thin. For rural providers, every dollar counts – whether it’s upgrading aging equipment, supporting operational expenses, or recruiting and retaining skilled professionals.
This package didn’t happen by chance. It’s the result of months of work behind the scenes between lawmakers from both sides of the aisle, guided by the recommendations of a bipartisan EMS Task Force. That task force traveled the state, gathering input from providers and stakeholders to address longstanding issues in emergency care.
The result? Real solutions that reflect the needs of Minnesota’s small cities and towns, and the expertise of those on the front lines.
One creative idea in this package is the $6 million sprint medic pilot program. In this initiative, trained medical staff in advanced life support vehicles can respond faster than traditional ambulances, assess emergencies, and determine the appropriate level of care. For rural areas, where ambulance response times can be longer, this approach offers a quicker, more flexible solution that ensures care arrives when it’s needed most.
Above all, the hard work of first responders is the foundation of this effort. These individuals sacrifice their time, energy, and well-being to protect ours. They are often the first to arrive in moments of crisis, providing comfort and care under immense pressure. They do this despite the steep challenges – from staffing shortages to underfunded operations – that threaten many rural providers’ ability to serve. This aid package is a critical step in getting them the resources they need to continue their vital work.
While this funding is significant, it’s not the final answer. Rural EMS providers need real, sustainable support. We still have to prioritize long-term solutions that address the systemic issues facing emergency care, from increasing federal reimbursement rates to streamlining certification processes for new EMTs. These are challenges that will require ongoing collaboration and commitment from leaders at all levels.
Still, this package is a shining example of what can be accomplished when we put politics aside and work together. I hope to see more of this spirit in the future because, ultimately, our success as a state depends on it.
To all the first responders in our district and beyond: thank you for your service. You have our deepest gratitude.
Wishing you a wonderful Christmas
As we near the end of 2024, I want to take a moment to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. No matter how you choose to celebrate, I hope that this holiday season brings you peace and joy.
It’s also a good time for reflection, gratitude, and giving. Many of our neighbors are still struggling. If you have the opportunity and the means, please consider supporting them somehow. There are a number of charitable organizations that would appreciate a financial contribution, or perhaps you can donate a warm coat or some old boots. Maybe volunteer at a food shelf. There are so many ways to give back that will make a real difference in someone’s life.