Dear Friends,
Earlier this week, the Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA) released a report that was highly critical of the agency tasked with monitoring elder abuse in nursing homes. As you may recall, a Star Tribune report last year revealed that thousands of abuse reports are not being investigated.
The OLA’s in-depth investigation confirmed much of what was reported by the Star Tribune. More specifically, the report found that the average completion time of an abuse report was 140 days, which is more than double the time allowed by the state. Furthermore, the report found that it would often take more than a month after an allegation for investigators to actually interview the vulnerable adult that was allegedly abused.
All in all, it proved once again that this system is broken. The system needs comprehensive reform to ensure that the elderly and vulnerable are treated with the respect and dignity that they deserve. I am hopeful that we can get some serious reforms passed this year and signed into law. It’s the right thing to do.
On Thursday, I had a bill heard before the Education Innovation Policy Committee. House File 2843 requires charter school in Nerstrand to give enrollment preference to students residing within a five-mile radius of the school and to the siblings of enrolled children.
Unfortunately, the way things currently stand, a number of children living in Nerstrand are unable to attend the school due to losing out on the lottery system. If children live in the community, they should have preference over those coming from miles away.
This is not necessarily a new concept as a charter school in the Duluth area has the same enrollment preference that Nerstrand is seeking.
That’s all for this week’s update. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me to share any thoughts or concerns you may have about state government or the job I'm doing as your representative. It would be great to talk with you. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-8237 or via email at rep.brian.daniels@house.mn.
Have a great weekend,
Brian