Submitted photo Candas Schouvieller, administrator at Oak Hills Living Center in New Ulm, speaks a rally Thursday at the Minnesota State Capitol supporting funding for nursing homes being added to the state’s budget. Eleven representatives from New Ulm, including members from Oak Hills administration, board members and concerned citizens were at the capitol in support.

ST. PAUL — Following up their Zoom sessions with legislative leaders on Wednesday, a group from New Ulm traveled to St. Paul to rally support for increased funding for nursing homes.

Oak Hills Living Center Administrator Candas Schouvieller spoke to make the case for more funding. Legislators, including Rep. Paul Torkelson (R-15B) of Hanska spoke in favor of the issue.

Human Services Finance Committee hair Rep. Mohamud Noor (DFL – Minneapolis) issued a statement saying long-term care facilities, including nursing homes “are going to receive historic investments. I am committed to ensuring Minnesotans working in the long-term care profession receive a significant wage increase because our state is facing a crisis when it comes to our long-term care workforce.”

The House’s proposed Human Services budget can be found on the committee’s webpage (https://www.house.mn.gov/committees/home/93013). Video of today’s committee hearing can be found on HTV5 (https://www.house.mn.gov/Live/5)