News You Can Use
June 2025
2025 LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
Important News About Housing, Health Care, and More for Older Adults in Minnesota
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Big Picture
The Minnesota legislature made some progress this year—but budget cuts at the state and federal level are affecting many important programs for seniors. All Elders for Justice worked hard to keep lawmakers informed about what’s at stake.
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State Budget Cuts
Minnesota has a $456 million surplus for 2026–2027, but a nearly $6 billion deficit is expected in 2028–2029.
Cuts are already being made, especially to education, health and human services.
Disability services are being reduced by over $200 million, with possible future cuts up to $1 billion—this could hurt low-income seniors the most.
See the state’s full budget bills
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Federal Spending Changes
The federal government is cutting over $2 trillion in spending, especially to Medicaid and SNAP (food assistance).
Medicaid cuts will hit rural hospitals and seniors hard, with millions potentially losing healthcare access.
Medicare changes will also mean higher costs for low-income seniors and fewer benefits for some immigrants.
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Housing Updates
Good news: Some new housing programs are being launched or expanded.
✅New or Expanded Programs in 2025:
Rental Assistance (Bring It Home Program)
Housing Infrastructure Grants
Local Homelessness Prevention Aid ($20M/year)
Affordable Housing Aid ($10M/year)
🏠 Family Homelessness Prevention (FHPAP):
Gets $8.35 million in 2026, plus a $900,000 yearly increase.
Helps keep families, including older adults, from becoming homeless.
🛠️ Other Housing Wins:
New grants and loans for safety improvements in high-rises
Support for affordable housing preservation
$50M approved for Housing Infrastructure Bonds
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Caregiving News
👵 Dementia Support:
A bipartisan bill to establish a statewide Dementia Program Manager passed and has been signed into law. The manager will help coordinate services across Minnesota.
Unfortunately, two other related pieces of legislation this session did not pass - Respite Care for Dementia Caregivers and Equitable Access to Treatments. All Elders for Justice will continue to explore options for this legislation prior to the launch of the 2026 session.
💰 Raises for Caregivers:
Starting in 2026, new minimum wages are coming:
Personal Care Aides (PCAs): $19 (2026), $20.50 (2027)
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs): $22.50–$24
Medication Aides: $23.50–$25
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs): $27–$28.50
A new retirement trust fund is also being created for PCAs.
➡️Read more from SEIU Healthcare
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Broadband for Seniors
Two bills were introduced to help seniors get better Internet access. They didn’t pass—yet—but we will continue to advocate for equitable senior access to Internet services.
Goals:
Make Internet a basic utility, like electricity or water
Offer support and training for seniors
Create a one-stop online portal for healthcare, connection, and leisure
Note: Federal delays in the Broadband Equity program (BEAD) may affect rollout timelines in Minnesota.
➡️More info on BEAD program delays
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Age-Friendly MN Grant Program
● All Elders for Justice wrapped up support for 4 Round 1 Community Grantees in June 2025. We now provide technical assistance support to three new Round 2 community grantees. The grant period will run through June 30, 2026.
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