>>DHS Moves to Terminate Housing Stabilization Services Program
(St. Paul, MN) – The Minnesota Department of Human Services has moved to terminate the Housing Stabilization Services program. The DHS Commissioner has sent a letter asking to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to terminate the HHS program immediately. The HHS program has faced federal raids and allegations of fraud in recent years. The DHS Office of Inspector General has stopped a total of 77 payments to HHS providers to protect enrollees and save taxpayer money. The Department of Human Services says it intends to redesign and relaunch the benefit.
New DWI Law for Repeat Offenders Now in Effect in Minnesota
(St. Paul, MN) — A new law targeting repeat drunk drivers is now in effect across Minnesota. DFL Senator Ron Latz of St. Louis Park pushed for the change after a deadly crash in his district outside Park Tavern, where a repeat offender drove into a crowd, killing two people and injuring several others. Senator Latz says the updated law now requires ignition interlock devices for anyone with a prior DWI — even if that conviction is nearly two decades old. The driver responsible for the Park Tavern tragedy was recently sentenced to 30 years in prison — a sentence Latz says he fully supports.
Medicare and Medicaid Mark 60 Years Amid Concerns Over Federal Cuts
(St. Paul, MN) — This week marked the 60th anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid, but Minnesota DFL leaders are sounding the alarm over proposed federal cuts. DFL Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy says Republican-led efforts in Washington to reduce Medicare funding could have serious consequences for Minnesotans, especially in rural communities.
“What it means for rural hospitals, what it means for families, for our elders in nursing homes and people getting their care in hospitals,” Murphy said. “We need to understand those ramifications so we can do the best we can here in Minnesota to continue to lead — but they have really tied our hands.” Minnesota lawmakers passed a state budget in May. Still, Murphy says she’s closely watching the situation and hasn’t ruled out the possibility of a special session to respond to the federal cuts.
>>Congressman Finstad Wants Veterans Center in Mankato
(New Ulm, MN) – Congressman Brad Finstad from Minnesota District 1 has reintroduced legislation to establish a Veterans Center in Mankato. Finstad’s plan would authorize the funding through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Vet Centers provide free, community-based counseling services to eligible veterans, service members, and their families. This week, Finstad has been meeting with leaders in the veterans community on ways that Congress can help address the challenges they are facing today.
>>Second Man Sentenced in Deadly Austin Drive-By
(Austin, MN) — A second man has been sentenced in connection with a deadly drive-by shooting in Austin that happened two years ago. Manamany Abella received a 10-year prison sentence after being convicted of aiding and abetting. He was also ordered to pay more than $5,000 in restitution. The June 2023 shooting involved Abella and two co-defendants, who allegedly pulled up alongside another vehicle and opened fire, killing one person and injuring two others. One of the defendants, Jenup Chop, previously pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder. He was sentenced to more than 37 years in prison. The third suspect is set to be sentenced on September 18th.
>>Allina Closing Four Clinics
(Undated) — Allina Health is under fire from unionized doctors after announcing plans to shut down four of its medical clinics in Minnesota. The doctors, part of the SEIU, say the closures will disrupt care and leave patients scrambling to find new providers. They’re calling on Allina to reconsider. But the Minneapolis-based health system says it’s a matter of efficiency, pointing to underused space at more than 60 of its primary care clinics. The affected locations include three suburban clinics and one in downtown Minneapolis. Allina says patient care will be transitioned, and the closures are set for November 1st.
