LeadingAge Minnesota, a respected advocacy group for Minnesota’s aging population, recently named Senator Jordan Rasmusson (R-Fergus Falls) as its Public Official of the Year. This award honors public servants who went above and beyond the normal call for action and made a significant difference in the field of older adult services.

Sen. Rasmusson was presented with this award at LeadingAge Minnesota’s Opinion Leaders event at the LeadingAge Minnesota Institute & Expo, held in Saint Paul from Feb. 6-9. In attendance were leaders from senior care organizations throughout the state, including local leaders from PioneerCare and LBHomes in Fergus Falls, Perham Health and Knute Nelson Walker Methodist.

“Senator Rasmusson’s steadfast dedication to the well-being of seniors and caregivers in his community and beyond embodies the spirit of compassionate leadership,” said Kari Thurlow, president and CEO of LeadingAge Minnesota. “His tireless advocacy sets a remarkable standard for public service. We are proud to honor Senator Rasmusson as the Public Official of the Year, recognizing his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of Minnesota’s aging population.”

Rasmusson received this award for his work last session in securing a deal for nursing homes to receive $300 million. This package includes direct grants, facility rate increases, and a workforce incentive fund that adds up to about an average of $1.1 million for every nursing home in the state. With Minnesota nursing homes facing a dire staffing crisis, this additional funding serves as a critical lifeline that will keep Minnesota nursing homes open. If it were not for this funding package, Minnesota could have lost up to 40 nursing homes this year.

“At the start of the 2023 legislative session, Senate Republicans made it clear that our Minnesota seniors must be a priority,” Rasmusson said. “I am grateful to have helped foster a deal to keep our nursing homes open and ensure our loved ones continue to receive quality care. As I have been out in the community, I’ve heard about the positive impact of this new funding. In particular, I am glad to hear how the rate increases and workforce incentives are translating into higher wages and benefits for our long-term care professionals.”

LeadingAge Minnesota is the state’s largest association of organizations serving older adults, dedicated to transforming and enhancing the experience of aging. With a network of roughly 65,000 caregivers, our members provide quality care, services, and support to over 65,000 older adults across various settings, including independent living, assisted living, adult day care, home care, and skilled nursing.