Today, the Minnesota Senate passed a Families-Focused Health & Human Services Budget Bill. The legislation supplies critical funding for the Departments of Health (MDH) and Human Services (DHS) while ensuring agency accountability to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse. 

“We cannot have a strong society without strong mothers and families,” Senator Julia Coleman (R-Chanhassen) said Thursday. “In order to improve access and outcomes for mothers and children in need, we need to focus on effective programs with proven results. This budget accomplishes that and so much more for many vulnerable populations in Minnesota.”

Included in this budget are several provisions brought forward by Senator Coleman that will benefit children and families. Senator Coleman’s “Strong Mothers, Strong Families” bill was included, which works to increase access and opportunities for voluntary home visiting services. These programs have proven to be effective in improving outcomes for mothers in need and their children. Modifications to the doula registry system were also authored by Senator Coleman and included in the budget. This will make the designation process for doulas more efficient while ensuring the legitimacy of each organization. Senator Coleman’s support for children extends into the foster system as well. Coleman’s legislation to direct the Commissioner of Human Services to report on the participation of foster children under the age of six in early care and education programs was also included.

This bill lowers costs for prescription drugs by improving drug price transparency and allowing the importation of lower cost, FDA-approved drugs from partner countries. Additionally, the bill builds off of Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) reforms from previous sessions to help cut out unnecessary middlemen and rein in drug costs while supporting our local pharmacies.

The budget focuses on working families by improving maternal and newborn care with in-home nurse visits, extending MA coverage for enrollees after delivery of a baby, and requiring a regular report on maternal and infant health. Maternal outcomes have been worsening in the United States and this report will help identify what changes could ensure women have healthier deliveries. 

The Senate budget implements millions of dollars in savings to slow the massive growth in Health & Human Services costs, so resources are available to invest in critical needs like local public health and childcare services.