ARRM's Daily Dispatch

Weekly Legislative Update: April 22- April 26

Today marks the three week mark until the legislature must adjourn. With a short time left at the Capitol, the days are certainly getting longer and the amount of bills we are tracking is drastically shorter.

As a reminder, in an effort to avoid last minute negotiations, the House and Senate announced joint deadlines to which they would get their work done. Those deadlines are:

• Wednesday, May 1^st: Omnibus bills will be passed off the House and Senate floors and Conference Committee members will be announced
• Monday, May 6^th: Joint targets between the House, Senate and Governor’s office will be announced
• Monday, May 13^th: Final Conference Committee reports will be available
• Monday, May 20^th: The legislature must adjourn

With the first of those deadlines being in just two days, the House and Senate have been spending all of their time on the House or Senate floor, engaging in lengthy debates about various omnibus bills. Last Thursday, the House took up the Health and Human Service (HHS) Omnibus bill and passed the bill on a party line vote. This legislation included the DWRS Competitive Workforce Factor of 4.7 percent to raise wages for DSPs, a projected investment of $133 million over the next four years.

 

Sponsored content: Visit Agency Workforce Management to learn more

 

Also last Thursday, during the Senate Finance Committee, the two HHS Omnibus bills which had been moving separately in the Senate were combined into one. The Senate HHS Omnibus bill is now SF 2452. Similar to the House, the Senate Omnibus bill also contains a 4.7% Competitive Workforce Factor for DWRS. However, the provision does not have some of the automatic updates in the House proposal and would invest about $86 million over the next four years. We anticipate the Senate HHS Omnibus bill to be taken up on the Senate floor this Tuesday.

As we continue to move into the final weeks of session, please continue to watch your emails for any immediate action alerts from the Best Life Alliance or ARRM. Your attention and response to these alerts will play a critical role in any success we have this session.

Thank you, and please let me know if you have any questions.

--Sara Grafstrom, Director of State and Federal Policy, sgrafstrom@arrm.org

Legislative Update: April 8 - April 12

Third Committee Deadline Passes

This last Friday, April 12, marked the third committee deadline, meaning that bills must be out of committee and either passed out of, or sitting in, the Finance Committee of each body.

In the House, all omnibus bills have been passed out of the Ways and Means Committee and will now be heard on the House floor. In the Senate, the Finance Committee is expected to take up the remaining omnibus bills yet to be heard and pass them on to the Senate floor soon after they return from Spring break (April 16 - April 22).

Updates to the Omnibus bills

There have been no changes to the House Omnibus bill since last week’s update. In the Senate, we were able to successfully amend language in to the omnibus bill that would require the commissioner to pay for any new licensing fee increases through DWRS. All other provisions that were included in our update last week remain in the omnibus bill.

Legislators on Break

As a reminder, the legislature is currently on spring break until Tuesday, April 23. Please use this great opportunity when legislators are in their home district to reach out and let legislators know about any proposals that are moving forward that you support or oppose. If you would like help with reaching out to your legislators or specific messaging to use when contacting your legislator please let me know.

What to Expect Next

Things will move quickly at the legislature once they return from break, upcoming deadlines include:

• May 1^st: Conference Committee Members Appointed
• May 6^th: Joint Budget Targets Released
• May 13^th: Conference Committee Reports Due
• May 20^th: The Legislature must adjourn

Please reach out with any questions you may have.

--Sara Grafstrom, sgrafstrom@arrm.org Director of Federal and State Policy

Staff Highlight: April Edition

Hello Everyone! We have now reached the April legislative break and ARRM staff have some important updates for you.

Staff Highlight: Sue Schettle, CEO

How long have you been the CEO of ARRM?
I came to ARRM in November 2017 so it looks like I've been here for about 18 months. Wow. That went by fast.

What might a typical day look like for you?
I am an early riser so I love being the first person in the office. I get the coffee going, catch up on my emails, and plan my day, which generally changes around mid-morning. Mondays are the best days for me because we meet as a full staff in the morning and talk about all the things we have going on for the week. Everyone is engaged and solution-oriented. We have a good time and try not to take ourselves too seriously but we are dealing with some pretty hefty issues at ARRM. We use this time each Monday to focus on what needs to be done so everyone is marching in the same direction.

What is your proudest accomplishment?
My husband and I are blessed with two healthy humans who are now adults and are truly good people. They both decided to pursue careers in public service (my son is a police officer and my daughter is finishing up nursing school). I am the most proud of who they are. On the professional side of things, I am most proud of my work on the initiative I co-founded called Honoring Choices Minnesota. This initiative encourages people to have end-of-life care conversations so choices can be a little easier for families because they had "the conversation". Through the initiative, I became a published author and received two Emmy Awards. One of the documentaries that led up to my first Emmy Award was coincidentally about people with disabilities. It concerned the unique challenges that come about when members of that population are seeking input into their end-of-life care preferences.

What are some projects you're currently working on?
My first year here was focused on modernizing operations and making the organization more efficient, streamlining workflow and budgets, and strengthening our team and talent for the current and future needs of the ARRM membership. My second year at ARRM will be focused on integrating all of the work we're doing through committees into our strategic plan. Some things clearly fit and align and others don't as much so I'm currently focusing in on that. I'm also working with the staff to advance our legislative priorities, enhancing the ARRM Cares awards program and establishing the revamped one-day Annual Conference to better reflect the interests of members. I'm also working on expanding our membership recruitment and retention plan and membership outreach in general. There is a lot going on and I feel like I am getting pretty good at spinning the plates and keeping things from falling.

What would someone not know about you just by looking at you?
I was once wrongly accused of inciting a food fight in the junior high cafeteria. Although I participated in said food fight, I did not start it. In the same school, I was also the lead singer in a rock band during a talent show competition. It was my one and only time in a band, and sadly, we did not win. Not even close.

What are your post-legislative break goals?
I want to take some time to reflect on what happened and take those lessons learned into the next session. I also want to hit the road and get out and meet with as many of our members as I can. I plan to take a couple of days each month and just get out of the office and be more visible with the broader membership.

If you could only have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Even though my heritage is German, my taste buds think that I am of Asian descent. If I had to choose one meal that I would eat every day, it would be an egg roll over a chilled rice noodle salad currently made best by Que Viet in North East Minneapolis.

Contact Sue: sschettle@arrm.org

Staff Snapshots

Sara Grafstrom, Director of State and Federal Policy

Update: Busy reviewing, analyzing and responding to the Health and Human Services Omnibus bills that have been released. Many of ARRM's legislative priorities are included in the bills as well as some policy proposals ARRM opposes. ARRM has prepared and presented amendments to each of the bills and has provided testimony in front of committee outlining the items of support and opposition we have within each bill.

Post-legislative break goals: Post-break things will begin to move very quickly at the Capitol. Our number one goal is to make sure ARRM's legislative priorities make it to the finish line and we work with legislators to influence the proposals that we have concerns about or oppose.

If you could only have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
White rice and soy sauce.

Contact Sara: sgrafstrom@arrm.org

Drew Henry, Director of Strategic Communications

Update: I'm working hard to set up the groundwork for a public education campaign to launch later this year. It aims to bring attention to the important and valuable work of DSPs and the contributions of home and community-based service organizations as a whole. This will be a big push to increase positive awareness about the field to encourage more supporters of advocacy efforts, as well as support DSP recruitment efforts of ARRM members. If you have worked with any great communications consultants, consider sending them our RFP to help create the campaign concept and strategy. Proposals are due May 9.

Post-legislative break goals: My primary goal for post-legislative break is to keep the pressure on lawmakers to pass legislation to meet ARRM's 2019 policy priorities. First and foremost, short and long-term investments in higher DSP wages and service rates.

If you could only have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Macaroni and cheese.

Contact Drew: dhenry@arrm.org

Ken Bence, Director of Research, Analysis and Policy

Update: I am studying HCBS payment models from other states to develop an understanding of best practices and pitfalls to avoid. We can use this information to advise DHS and legislators if they are looking into value-based payment methods.

Post-legislative break goals: To really dig in and plan ARRM's research agenda for the rest of the year.

If you could only have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I would choose the international favorite known as the buffet (n): a meal at which guests help themselves from a number of dishes and often eat standing up. Variety is the spice of life and a buffet means I don't have to pick one thing!

Contact Ken: kbence@arrm.org

Ashley Wear, Manager of Member Events and Promotions

Update: The ARRM Leadership Institute Workshop in May is SOLD OUT! A few seats have been added for the full series so all hopes of attending isn't lost :)

Post-legislative break goals: Sessions and speakers for Annual Conference will be announced to members. Stay tuned starting next week...

If you could only have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I don't even need a whole meal, just give me potatoes. French fries, tots, hash browns, mashed, baked, chips...all the potatoes!

Contact Ashley: awear@arrm.org

Madeleine Lerner, Grassroots Organizer

Update: The Best Life Alliance North Metro Town Hall is almost at capacity! Make sure you RSVP and meet with your legislators tomorrow! The event begins at 4:30pm at the Rum River Library in Anoka.

Post-legislative break goals: Starting the brainstorming process for summer events with legislators. It's important to keep your elected officials engaged all year round!

If you could only have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A giant New York everything bagel with Swiss cheese, lots of Swiss cheese.

Contact Madeleine: mlerner@arrm.org

Savannah Hanley, Manager of Member Services

Update: I'm currently working on ARRM Cares nominee recognition to showcase our 97 amazing submissions from all across the state. Additionally, I'm updating the new member welcome packet.

Post-legislative break goals: Finalizing the welcome packet and beginning to outline the recruitment and retention strategic plan.

If you could only have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Spaghetti with red sauce, corn on the cob, and croissants.

Contact Savannah: shanley@arrm.org

 

Legislative Update 4/1-4/5: HHS Omnibus Bills Released

Last week saw both the House and Senate releasing their Health and Human Service Omnibus bills. While each of the bills contain quite a few changes important to Home and Community-Based Service providers, below are a couple highlights of things we support, oppose or are watching in each of the pieces of legislation.

House Health and Human Service Omnibus Bill

Changes to the Disability Waiver Rate System

• 4.7% Competitive Workforce Factor with automatic 2% changes in 2022 and 2024
• Moves the inflationary adjustment from every 5 years to every 2 years and uses the most recently available data
• Includes new workforce reporting requirements
• Includes rate encumbrance language
  • For residential providers: 66% of your rate must be used for direct care wages and employee related expenses
  • For day service providers: 45% of your rate must be used for direct care wages and employee related expenses
  • For unit based service providers; 55% of your rate must be used for direct care wages and employee related expenses

245D Licensing Fees

The bill includes the Licensing Division of the Department of Human Services’ proposal to increase licensing fees for 245D providers. The new fee schedule would raise fees based on revenue with changes ranging from 20%-300%.

Last week ARRM sent out messages to the lead contacts of members who would see their fess go up by more than 29%, with specific messaging to use when reaching out to your House member. It's important to make these contacts now, as it will increase the possibility of removing this language later in conference committee.

Senate Human Services Reform Finance and Policy Omnibus Bill

Changes to the Disability Waiver Rate System

• Includes a Competitive Workforce Factor set at 4.7%
• Moves the inflationary adjustment from every 5 years to every 2 years, using data that is 30 months old
• Includes new workforce reporting requirements for providers
• Includes encumbrance language that states any new revenue received from the Competitive Workforce Factor must be used to increase Direct Support Staff wages

ICF Legislation

• Removes the restrictions on applying for a variable rate, allowing any provider to request a variable rate for their ICF
• Changes the Services During the Day rate from 75% to 100% of the DT&H Rate

ARRM’s Policy Provision

• Moves the sunset date for adding a fifth bed to a home to 2021 (Note: The language was also changed from 5 beds to 6 beds)
• Requires an annual conversation on the use of technology
• Clarifies the Annual Training Competency based requirements
• Includes the Positive Support Professional Training changes

245D Licensing Fees

The bill does not include language that would increase licensing fees for 245D providers.

Adult Foster Care Bed Closure and DD/CADI Waiver Caps

The bill includes language that would mandate that for every two beds that are permanently vacated for over 6 moths the Commissioner would reduce adult foster care bed capacity by one. The bill also implements DD and CADI waiver caps as of June 30^th, 2019, not allowing any new waiver recipients unless someone leaves the waiver and prioritizing those waiting for waiver services by need.

ARRM’s Response

ARRM provided testimony in both the House and Senate to these bills, highlighting the provisions we support and putting on record the provisions we have concerns or are opposed to. In the House, we attempted to remove the licensing fee increase through amendment but the amendment was not adopted. We also worked in the House to draft an amendment which stated DHS would need to study the feasibility of creating a rate system for ICF/DD similar to that of DWRS. DHS testified that the amendment would have a cost and therefore it was not adopted.

We are anticipating amendments being taken in the Senate this week and will work with key Senate leaders to craft amendments that would work to address the concerns we have with the bill as drafted.

Looking Ahead

The legislature will be on break next week, coming back April 22^nd where things will begin to move very quickly on the way to adjournment on May 21^st.

Please contact me with any questions.

--Sara Grafstrom, Director of State and Federal Policy

Weekly Legislative Update: 3/25- 3/29

This last Friday marked the second committee deadline for the 2019 legislature. This means bills must have been heard in the body that they were not heard in by the first committee deadline. With the first two committee deadlines behind us, all eyes will now turn to the omnibus bills being released this week.

Budget Targets

Both the House and Senate have set their initial committee budget targets. These targets are what the chairs of the respective finance committees will use when putting together their omnibus bills. While the House and Senate both set their own individual targets, joint budget targets between the House, Senate and Governor’s office are required to be set by Monday, May 6^th.

Omnibus Bills

We anticipate the House Health and Human Service Finance Omnibus bill to be released early this week, the Senate Human Services Reform Finance and Policy Omnibus bill will be released on Friday, April 5^th.

As a reminder, the Competitive Workforce Factor for the Disability Waiver Rate System was included in the Governor’s initial and supplemental budget proposal at 4.7 percent. We are hopeful that a Competitive Workforce Factor will be included in both the House and Senate HHS Omnibus bills.

Next Steps

ARRM will watch the release of the omnibus bills closely to track the progress of our legislative initiatives as well as initiatives we have been supporting or opposing. Members can look to this blog next week with an analysis of where we are in both the House and Senate and member communications to legislators that will be needed.

--Sara Grafstrom, Director of State and Federal Policy