State Senator Jim Abeler (R-Anoka), Republican lead of the Senate Human Services Committee, recently joined Governor Tim Walz and Democrat legislative leaders at Park River Estates Care Center in Coon Rapids to celebrate significant funding for Minnesota nursing homes. The direct grants are part of the $300 million agreement to help nursing homes that Senate Republicans secured back in May, which adds up to about $1.1 million for every nursing home in the state.

During the event, the governor along with legislative leaders–Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic and House Majority Leader Melissa Hortman–highlighted the $173 million Nursing Facility Grants that Minnesota nursing homes started to receive this month. In an official press release, Governor Walz shared that, “This session, we worked across the aisle to prioritize the needs of middle class families and seniors. We’re providing direct support to nursing homes across the state to ensure Minnesota’s seniors have the quality care and safe environments they deserve.”

Senator John Hoffman (DFL-Champlin), chair of the Senate Human Services committee, also attended the nursing home tour. During the press conference, he spoke to how caring for our seniors and vulnerable Minnesotans is not a partisan issue. Rep. Mohamud Noor (DFL-Minneapolis) and Rep. Zack Stephenson (DFL-Coon Rapids) also applauded the bipartisan aid package for nursing homes.

Additionally, Senator Abeler spoke to Senate Republicans’ steadfast commitment to addressing the on-going long-term care crisis.  “This session’s nursing home agreement is a great example of how we can get a lot accomplished for Minnesotans when Republicans and Democrats work together,” said Senator Abeler. “Minnesota nursing homes continue to face a staffing crisis, and this new funding will provide meaningful support to ensure our loved ones receive the care they need and deserve. I am grateful to see us address this crisis in such a strong and bipartisan manner.”

Through the Nursing Facility Grants, more than 300 nursing homes are eligible for a base payment of $225,000 plus an estimated $3,900 per bed, and $12.35 in additional funding per day per resident for an 18-month period. The direct payment money is split into two checks — one that was sent on Aug. 1, 2023, and another that is expected to be sent next August. Through the two direct payments, the Park River Estates Care Center in Coon Rapids will receive a total of $622,635.

The grants can be used for various fiscal management strategies to improve the financial health of nursing homes. Unlike loans in the Human Services budget, these grants will not need to be repaid, making their impact much more meaningful for nursing homes.