Abeler, Benson and Housley Named Public Officials of the Year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jodi Boyne Sept. 20, 2017 651.659.1430

SAINT PAUL – (Sept. 20, 2017) – LeadingAge today named Senator (Anoka), Senator (Ham Lake) and Senator (Stillwater) as its 2017 Public Officials of the Year.

The Public Official of the Year award recognizes individuals who went above and beyond the normal call for action and truly made a difference in long term care, the lives of aging Minnesotans, and those who provide them with care, service and support.

The three Senators were recognized for their collaborative efforts to reform how the state cares for aging Minnesotans who rely on assisted living and home and community-based services, enhance protection of vulnerable adults, and support workforce development strategies to address the shortage in professional caregivers.

“The entrusted one of the most complex areas of state policy, health and human services, to these three individuals. Their work last session is a testament to the good that can happen in public policy when work together with a shared vision and goal to better the lives of those we serve,” said Mark Anderson, Chair, LeadingAge Minnesota Board of Directors. “Their leadership and commitment to help seniors age in place, close to family and connected to community, laid the groundwork for what will be continued reform in home and community-based services that meets the growing and evolving needs of Minnesotans as they age.”

Minnesota’s senior population is expected to grow by 56 percent over the 15-year period between 2015 and 2030. To serve our fast-growing senior population, Minnesota will need at least 25,000 additional professional caregivers over the next decade. During the 2017 legislative, Senators Abeler, Benson and Housley championed three core priorities that will help Minnesota proactively meet the demands of its aging population:

• Reform Elderly Waiver to help provide safe, quality services for low-income seniors in their homes, helping them remain connected to their families and communities and avoid the costlier placement in a nursing home. • Elevate the profession of caregiving by supporting increased investments in scholarship and loan forgiveness programs as well as an initial investment in a career awareness campaign to help recruit and retain caregivers in the long-term care field. • Enhance the protection of vulnerable adults by assessing the investigation of maltreatment complaints to streamline the process and increase transparency.

“It’s going to take a lot of us – seniors, families, caregivers, communities and legislators – working together to create a continuum of service and care that helps seniors preserve their quality of life for as long as possible,” Anderson said. “With Senators Abeler, Benson and Housley at the helm, we are confident Minnesota will be better prepared to meet the growing and needs of its aging population.”

###