St. Paul, Minn. - On Monday, Governor Tim Walz released his supplemental budget proposal for the 2024 Legislative Session, including proposals to address the crisis facing rural emergency medical services (EMS) in Minnesota.
“I’m grateful that Governor Walz recognizes the critical need to address this crisis in our state, and his budget provides both immediate and long-term support to fixing it,” said Senator Grant Hauschild (DFL-Hermantown). “While the emergency aid for communities is far from enough, getting it into the Governor’s supplemental budget is a big win for negotiations at the end of the legislative session. What we know from the Governor today is that he has heard us loud and clear on the need to address the EMS crisis and we will continue to fight for the aid our local communities need.”
The Governor’s supplemental budget proposal included several provisions aimed at addressing the EMS crisis. This includes $10 million in emergency aid for immediate needs, the creation of pilot zone programs establishing innovative EMS response models, and structural reforms to help address statewide EMS issues.
Representative Lislegard (DFL-Aurora) added, “After several community conversations, roundtable discussions with first responders, and a trip to see our Federal Delegation in D.C. regarding the crisis in EMS, I’m proud that the Governor heard our calls. We still have more work to do to secure the funding and reforms we need to improve rural ambulance in our communities but securing a spot in the Governor’s limited supplemental budget is the outcome we all needed. Now we continue to advocate for what we truly need.”
Ahead of the 2024 Legislative Session, Senator Hauschild and Representative Lislegard served as members of the newly created EMS Task Force that was established because of legislation passed in 2023. More details about the EMS Task Force can be found here: https://www.lcc.mn.gov/ems/.