April 2025

Caregiving 

A meeting with SEIU was held on Thursday, March 27th, 2025 to discuss important topics like home care worker contracts and new laws that affect care workers.SEIU and the state of Minnesota signed a contract for about 38,000 home care workers who help seniors and people with disabilities. The contract will cost about $70 million for the first two years and $50 million a year after which the Minnesota legislature will pay for. Important updates include pay raises for some workers, extra training for new workers, a $30 million fund for $1,200 bonuses to help cover medical costs and plans to create a pension fund for workers. The caregiving contract will positively affect seniors in several ways: 

● Better Pay for Caregivers – With a small pay raise, caregivers may be more likely to stay in their jobs, providing stable and consistent care for seniors. 

● Improved Training – New workers will receive more training, meaning they will be better prepared to help seniors with their daily needs. 

● Financial Help for Caregivers – Bonuses for caregivers' medical expenses may make the job more attractive, leading to better staffing and more available care. 

● Future Pension Plan – A planned pension fund may help retain experienced caregivers, ensuring that seniors continue to receive care from skilled professionals. 

Housing 

Meeting were held with HomeOwners Associations (HOAs) and Minnesota Housing Partnership (MHP). 

The housing efforts will impact seniors in several ways: 

● Preventing Housing Loss – The ERASE campaign aims to help people stay in their homes, reducing the risk of eviction for seniors. 

● Protecting Renters – New laws could prevent discrimination based on income, making it easier for seniors to find affordable housing.

● Clarifying Housing Rights – Understanding Minnesota’s Human Rights laws could help seniors know their rights when it comes to housing. 

Future meetings with a legal expert are in the works. 

Broadband 

Two new bills to improve internet access are being worked on. 

Broadband improvements will affect seniors in several important ways: 

● Better Access to Telehealth – Seniors can have virtual doctor visits, reducing the need for travel to medical appointments. 

● Improved Communication – Faster internet will make it easier for seniors to stay connected with family and friends through video calls and emails. 

● More Entertainment and Education – Seniors can stream movies, take online classes, and access news more easily. 

● Easier Access to Services – Many government and healthcare services are now online, so better internet will help seniors apply for benefits, schedule appointments, and get important information. 

Other Information 

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