Minnesota Senate Bill SF695

Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/23
• Refer: 1/25/23

Caption

Community first services and supports payment rates modification

Impact

The modifications introduced by SF695 are designed to create a stable and effective compensation framework for workers providing essential services in the state. By tying payment rates to median wages and adjusting them every two years based on the competitive workforce factor, the bill recognizes the need for fair compensation in the realm of community services. This will likely improve job retention and attract qualified individuals to sectors critical to community health and welfare.

Summary

SF695 is a legislative proposal aimed at modifying the payment rates for Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) in Minnesota. The bill amends existing statutes to establish a more systematic approach to determine payment rates for various services. Starting January 1, 2024, and biennially thereafter, the commissioner is required to assess and update the base wage component values using the median wage for specific occupational codes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This process seeks to ensure that compensation for personal care assistance and related services remains competitive in the workforce.

Contention

While the bill has many supporters who believe it will enhance service delivery by ensuring that workers are fairly compensated, potential points of contention may arise around the specific wage calculations and adjustments proposed. Stakeholders might express concerns about how these changes could affect funding for services, availability of providers, and the overall service quality. Additionally, the implication of the workforce factor in wage determination may be scrutinized if it does not adequately account for regional economic disparities, or if it disproportionately affects certain service types.