MAA Members,

The legislature adjourned the regular session on May 19^th with kind of an uneventful close to the evening. They had only finished a few budget bills and 11 of the bigger ones including HHS Finance rolled over to what will be a “Special Session” that only the Governor can call. Over the last few weeks, we have been hanging around the Capitol providing technical support to legislators as they move to a position of leadership agreement. Just the other day the Health Finance bill which contain the EMS provisions released a signed and agreed to budget spread sheet. This spreadsheet only shows the funding and not the actual language. That language will be released closer to the Special Session. Below is what is in the Health Finance bill agreed to that we expect will be agreed to and passed during Special Session.

Here is quote Blois Olson a reporter had this morning: SESSION: “According to multiple sources the two biggest sticking points for calling a special session are the tax bill and a bonding bill. The DFL Senate caucus met for two hours Sunday which revealed a clear divide among members including leaders, and Chairs. The tax bill, which was agreed to on Friday lacks support from tax chairs and the bonding bill will require some serious negotiations from the Senate. Multiple legislators, including DFLers expressed a need for more engagement and weight of support from the Governor. Ultimately, it would seem compromise on bills that have bipartisan support could garner enough votes to pass, however legislators from the edges of the right and left remain barriers. The soonest a special session would be is likely Friday”.

Provisions in the Health Bill Spreadsheet:

1. They funded $16 million a year for EMS Rural Sustainability available until 2029.
2. Our bill to expand access of the EMR/EMT training to all ambulance services not just volunteer was included with an additional $400,000 for the next two years for a total of $800,000
3. The Ambulance Training Grants was funded at $2 million dollars and the money is available until 2029
4. The uncompensated care pool was funded for the next two years at $4,291,000 a year for two years for a total of $8,582,000
5. The rate increase was not funded. That was lost in the conversation around increasing the HMO surcharge and what’s happening at the Federal level.
6. Also, they did eliminate the broker prohibition and went to a statewide broker for Non- Emergency Medical Transportation. This is an area we will need to monitor closely

So, overall, with the legislative session ending with no budget deals and the pending Special Session the MAA agenda around workforce and funding continues to be supported at the legislature. My rough math shows that we secured close to $27,500,000 of funding the next two years of the budget. That’s a total of $62 million into EMS the last 3 years.

I want to extend a special thanks to the MAA Board, Legslative Committee and most importantly Samantha and Mark who turn our updates and documents around quickly so the work can be done at the Capitol.  Also, Erik Simonson and the Coalition of Greater MN Cities has been an amazing partner in this work, and I look forward to continuing that relationship.

We will have a more detailed update once the Special Session takes place and we see the final language.

Sincerely, 
Buck McAlpin, Lobbyist