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.