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Hello from the State Capitol,
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In order to address the critical challenges being faced by rural ambulance services in Greater Minnesota, I am co-authoring legislation that would provide them with needed funding relief. The bill establishes an aid program for licensed ambulance service providers and makes a onetime appropriation of $120 million for this program.
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Emergency medical services are among the most important services in rural Minnesota. Many of them are struggling, and we need to give them our support or else they won?t be here to help us.
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Severe reimbursement shortfalls, aging workforces, unsustainable staffing models and increased operating costs are forcing problems in local EMS services, creating a crisis that has life-threatening consequences for families and communities. In 2022, statewide reported operations deficit for ground ambulance service costs was $122 million.
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This proposal is designed for a one time-funding infusion, recognizing the state faces a budget surplus for the remaining of the current budget cycle, but a budget deficit in the next term.
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We have the funds to help Greater Minnesota?s EMS teams right now, and we must. The goal is to get their short-term needs taken care of immediately while continuing to work on a long-term solution that will keep them operational.
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The bill was recently approved by the Minnesota House Health Finance and Policy Committee, and now heads to the House Tax Committee for further debate.
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Have a good weekend,
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Greg
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