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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Paul Torkelson (R)

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GOVERNOR WALZ’S DEVASTATING NURSING HOME CUT PROPOSAL OPPOSED BY REP. TORKELSON

Friday, March 28, 2025

ST. PAUL – Nursing homes across Minnesota would face devastating financial losses if a budget plan championed by Governor Walz that cuts their funding by $700 million over the next four years became law.

 

Last session, the legislative Democrat majority and Governor Walz agreed on a budget that spent an $18 billion surplus, raised taxes by $10 billion, and grew government spending by nearly 40%. Now, Minnesota’s economic experts are projecting the state will face a $6 billion budget deficit in the next budget cycle.

 

State Representative Paul Torkelson (R-Hanska) said that within a $70 billion state budget, facilities that care for our state’s elderly and disabled populations should not be targeted for future reductions.

 

“Once again, Governor Walz does not recognize the needs of Greater Minnesota nor the people being cared for in Greater Minnesota’s nursing homes,” Torkelson said.

 

Torkelson highlighted the financial losses local nursing homes would face if Governor Walz’s plans became law:

 

Divine Providence Community Home – Sleepy Eye: $1.363 million

Gil-Mor Manor – Morgan: $1.063 million

Oak Hills Living Center – New Ulm: $1.954 million

River Valley Health and Rehabilitation Center – Redwood Falls: $1.203 million

Sleepy Eye Rehabilitation Center – Sleepy Eye: $1.467 million

St. John Lutheran Home – Springfield: $2.473 million

Valley View Manor – Lamberton: $1.081 million

Wabasso Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center – Wabasso: $735,000

 

“To me, nursing home cuts are non-starters when it comes to crafting a state budget and prioritizing funding for what’s important,” Torkelson said.