Disappointing End to Legislative Session
Unfortunately, a rate increase for Home & Community-Based Services was not included in the final budget agreement between legislators and Governor Dayton
Legislative Session Results
After just ten short weeks, the 2016 legislative session ended at midnight on Sunday, May 22. Unfortunately, a rate increase for Home & Community-Based Services was not included in the final budget agreement between legislators and Governor Dayton. You should be proud of your hard work this session and know that together we did everything we could to help pass a rate increase this year.
So what happened?
In the second year of the biennium, the bonding year, supplemental spending was very limited. There were many competing priorities for legislators in 2016, and with little opportunity for spending, the significant costs of a 5% rate increase for HCBS (both this year and in future years) increased our challenge.
While we are disappointed with this session's result, we know that progress at the Capitol often takes years of persistent work as a community. We passed a 5% rate increase in 2014, and will not let the bad news this year stop us from future success.
Responding to Policymakers
It is appropriate to contact your legislators to express your disappointment in the lack of a rate increase for Home & Community-Based Services this year.
We urge you to share why you are disappointed, but be sure to be respectful. This is an opportunity to begin building support for the 2017 legislative session.
Email Governor Dayton
Find and contact your legislators
Best Life Alliance 2016 Bill Basics
Leaders within the Best Life Alliance will begin meeting right away in June to develop new strategies and legislation for next session.
With an election in both Senate and House this November, we know there will be many new legislators next year. When you talk to candidates this summer, always talk to them about the Best Life Alliance and tell them how they can fight for people with disabilities, older adults, and caregivers when they are elected.
Thank you for your advocacy, time and commitment!
If you have any questions, contact Meredith Jurowski or Rachel Koenigs at 651-227-7655