Still, Fischbach said the program was underutilized, with less than half of the eligible seniors using it. One easy way to help would be to get the word out to seniors about the existing program, she added. The cost of reform is expensive today, but it will be more tomorrow. Tom Kooiman, administrator at the Good Samaritan Care Center in Paynesville and Hilltop Good Samaritan in Watkins, said his staff has already started to contact their legislators. They're sick of it, too.
Nurses have some of the longest hours and low pay set by the state.
Other initiatives Stang plans to push for greater transportation funding, including the expansion of Highway 23, as well as education funding increases and a repeal on the sales tax for fire departments. Johnson first wants to pass a disaster relief package for Granite Falls. Other initiatives include transportation infrastructure improvements, rural economic development, improvement in the ag economy, and an equalization in home health rates.