Rep. Altendorf Legislative Update

WHAT'S NEW?

NATIONAL NEWS IN OUR DISTRICT

You likely heard the hubbub surrounding the resignation of Goodhue police officers last week.

Nearly all of the media reports missed the boat on what the real story is – law enforcement, not the actual criminals, are being treated like the enemy by the Democrats that control Minnesota’s state government.

Because of this, we don’t have enough police officers to do the job in this state. The ones we do have are being lured to bigger departments by larger salaries and signing bonuses that smaller towns like Goodhue cannot compete with.

Recently Fox News contacted me regarding this story and asked for my thoughts. To read the story, please click here.

If you’d like to read my statement after the Goodhue officers resigned, click here.

I support the City of Goodhue, the mayor and the efforts all in the community were making to increase salaries with a limited tax base.

Also, no one faults the police officers for leaving for higher pay or bonuses. This is a supply and demand problem. Goodhue and other small towns have always served as a starter job in law enforcement. However, with the high demand, there just are not the applications coming in to fill these positions.

GOODHUE TOWN HALL MEETING ON THURSDAY

For those of you with questions about policing in Goodhue, a town hall meeting will be held with Goodhue County Sheriff Marty Kelly and Mayor Terry Buck. The event will be held this Thursday, August 24 at 6:30 p.m. at the Goodhue Lions Building.

LEGISLATION HIGHLIGHTS

NURSING HOMES RECEIVE NEEDED FUNDING

Recently, our nursing homes began receiving new funding that was allocated by the legislature this year. It was money that was critically needed, and yet if not for the persistence of Republicans in the legislature, it would not be there.

At one point during the 2023 session, with a $20 billion surplus, all the House Democrat majority wanted to offer nursing homes was $3.9 million in new funding. Republican pressure made this new nursing home funding happen, and while it’s not enough to completely address the nursing home crisis, I am pleased we took a step in the right direction.

Inflation and increased operating costs, pay challenges with wages rising faster than what had been budgeted, and a workforce shortage have caused many nursing homes to operate at less than full capacity, and in some cases close. Many nursing homes have also been forced to take out loans in order to make ends meet, and now they are at the point where they can no longer receive credit.

A $300 million nursing home funding package passed the House unanimously last session. Over half of the funds, $173 million, went to direct payments to nursing homes. Here’s how local facilities fared from this legislation:

Mayo Clinic Health System, Lake City:

• Total Payment: $586,486
• August 1, 2023: $293,243
• August 1, 2024: $293,243

Bay View Nursing and Rehab Center, Red Wing:

• Total Payment: $980,142
• August 1, 2023: $490,07
• August 1, 2024: $490,071

St. Crispin Living Community, Red Wing:

• Total Payment: $482,057
• August 1, 2023: $241,028
• August 1, 2024: $241,028

St Elizabeths Medical Center, Wabasha:

• Total Payment: $626,651
• August 1, 2023: $313,326
• August 1, 2024: $313,326

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PLEASE CONTACT ME

It’s an honor and privilege to work for you at the Capitol. Don’t hesitate to contact my office at any time this session to share your thoughts, concerns or ideas. I am here to serve you!