To the editor:

I am writing on behalf of our rural Minnesota nursing homes. The situation is very critical at this time for our elderly, Veterans and all of our Minnesota residents who are in need of 24-hour skilled nursing care. This shutdown would affect your Mom and Dad, close relatives and friends, our Vets or even yourself at some point in your life. When, or if, that time comes for needed long or short-term care, where will they be placed if no professional facility is available nearby? Rural Minnesota has already seen three nursing homes closed, and if funding is not granted from our states’ surplus dollars (which by the way our senior citizens have contributed to) we know that Oak Hills Living Center will be forced to shut their doors sooner than we think. Closing another facility would be devastating for our Counties and our State. Is Minnesota going to known as the state that turned its back on our elderly Veterans and older citizens? We need help now, not later. Write letters or call Gov. Walz and any other of our people who are supposed to be representing us. I pray that the Lord opens their minds and hearts to address this important issue in favor of funding our Nursing Homes.

Ione Grossmann

Searles