Says Sen. Melissa Wiklund’s Bill Also Strengthens Childcare Workforce, Expands Mental Health Services, Targets Rising Healthcare Costs
SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic (DFL-Minneapolis) said the Senate has passed a $1.5 billion Health and Human Services budget that makes transformational changes to healthcare access, delivery and quality for Minnesotans, while also eliminating barriers to healthcare benefits, strengthening the childcare workforce, and addressing homelessness across the state.
Majority Leader Dziedzic said the bill, authored by Senate Health and Human Services Chair Melissa Wiklund (DFL-Bloomington) makes changes that prioritize the health and well-being of Minnesota’s children and families. It includes an increase for childcare providers that will expand access to services to more families, as well as funding to increase wages for childcare workers. It also includes accessible health care coverage to target populations, such as children, youth and the uninsured.
“This bill is a historic commitment to the health and well-being of children and families across the state,” said Majority Leader Dziedzic. “It makes transformational changes that will improve health outcomes for millions of Minnesotans, and it strengthens families by expanding access to childcare and to mental health services. It also funds efforts to close racial disparities that for too long have blocked access to care. This measure is a top priority of the Senate DFL majority and an important investment in Minnesota’s future.”
“I am incredibly proud of the work we have done in this budget to make vital investments and reforms that will improve health care access, delivery, and quality across the state,” said Senator Wiklund. “We are also finally centering and prioritizing the needs of children and families by investing substantially in the early childhood system, coordinating state services and programs to make sure Minnesota is the best state in the country to raise a family.”
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