States, Cities and Counties
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Wyo. Gov. Gordon Vetoes HB 178, Cites Disparity Between Groups as Chief Concern
CHEYENNE, Wyoming, March 11 -- Gov. Mark Gordon, R-Wyoming, issued the following news release on March 10, 2026:
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Governor Gordon Vetoes HB 178, Cites Disparity Between Groups as Chief Concern
Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY) today vetoed House Enrolled Act No. 35 / House Bill 178 Public unions-transparency and dues withdrawal limitations. In his veto letter, the Governor cited several concerning elements of the legislation, including the non-uniform treatment of types of public employees.
The legislation would prohibit certain public employees from voluntarily deducting labor organization
... Show Full Article
CHEYENNE, Wyoming, March 11 -- Gov. Mark Gordon, R-Wyoming, issued the following news release on March 10, 2026:
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Governor Gordon Vetoes HB 178, Cites Disparity Between Groups as Chief Concern
Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY) today vetoed House Enrolled Act No. 35 / House Bill 178 Public unions-transparency and dues withdrawal limitations. In his veto letter, the Governor cited several concerning elements of the legislation, including the non-uniform treatment of types of public employees.
The legislation would prohibit certain public employees from voluntarily deducting labor organizationdues from their paychecks and potentially criminalize public employers and employees who take part in the practice. Wyoming is a "Right to Work" state, meaning workers cannot be compelled to join labor organizations. Currently, public employees must opt in to having union dues deducted from their compensation-at a negligible cost to public employers.
Governor Gordon raised concerns about the state deciding how employees can and cannot spend their duly-earned compensation, the non-uniform treatment of public employees, the exposure to criminal liability, and the lack of deliberation on unintended consequences should the bill become law.
When considering the issue of non-uniformity, the Governor prescribed his chief concern: "The notion that we should carve out automatic payroll deductions based upon the type of employment should alarm anyone who values freedom. Our public safety personnel, public health workers, teachers, and other public servants all work rigorously to ensure the ongoing operations of our state, counties, and towns. Creating disparity between those employees by allowing the simple convenience of an opt-in automatic deduction from earned compensation for some but not others is unnecessarily punitive at best and subject to legal challenge at worst."
Governor Gordon also expressed frustration with the increasing trend of out-of-state interests influencing legislation.
"With alarming regularity, these think-tanks-for-hire use our legislative process to enact solutions to problems we do not have," Governor Gordon said. "Chalking up a win in Wyoming to augment their scoresheet across the nation does very little for our state, but it allows them to continue to raise funds for the fat cats who support these efforts."
The Governor also signed the following enrolled acts into law.
HEA0023 HB0045 Long-term homeowner tax exemption-revisions.
HEA0024 HB0111 State funded capital construction.
HEA0025 HB0036 Forestry division wildland fire modules.
HEA0026 HB0041 WHP, DCI and warden retirement benefits-amendments.
HEA0027 HB0096 Carrying of concealed weapons-age requirement.
HEA0028 HB0098 Prohibit Red Flag Gun Seizure Act-penalty amendments.
HEA0030 HB0043 Anti-money laundering.
HEA0031 HB0080 Identification cards-renewal for care facility residents.
HEA0032 HB0102 Protecting kids from deepfakes and exploitative images.
HEA0033 HB0145 Removing triple taxation for resident EV drivers.
HEA0034 HB0120 Energy product reclassification and sovereignty act.
HEA0036 HB0016 Secretary of state-expedited filings.
HEA0037 HB0092 Registered sex offenders prohibited from public office.
HEA0038 HB0039 Firearms rights-restoration amendments.
HEA0039 HB0069 Department of health-land transfers.
HEA0040 HB0044 Revisor's bill.
HEA0041 HB0078 Forest health grant program.
SEA0061 SF0113 2026 election hand count comparison.
SEA0062 SF0084 Voluntary water conservation program.
SEA0063 SF0099 Prescriptive easements for electricity delivery.
SEA0065 SF0121 Wyoming Pharmacy Act amendments.
SEA0066 SF0028 Elections-voting machine and voting system tests.
SEA0067 SF0069 Waste and storm water infrastructure study.
SEA0068 SF0106 Welfare Fraud Prevention Act Amendments.
SEA0069 SF0123 Wyoming energy dominance fund.
The full list of bills the Governor has signed can be found on the Governor's website (https://governor.wyo.gov/state-government/bills).
The full text of all bills from the 2026 session may be found on the Wyoming Legislature's website (https://wyoleg.gov/Session/2026/SessionLanding).
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Original text here: https://governor.wyo.gov/news-releases/governor-gordon-vetoes-hb-178-cites-disparity-between-groups-as-chief-concern
Wyo. Gov. Gordon Allows School Finance Bill to Go Into Law Without His Signature
CHEYENNE, Wyoming, March 11 -- Gov. Mark Gordon, R-Wyoming, issued the following news release on March 9, 2026:
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Governor Gordon Allows School Finance Bill to go into Law Without His Signature
Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY) announced today he will allow SEA 0056 SF0081 - Public School Finance to become law without his signature, emphasizing his appreciation to the full Legislature and Select Committee on School Finance Recalibration (SCSFR) for their work on the "very complex issue" of school finance. In his letter (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZgUNXiACPtTCI6xVUf0qTBBXrK1NJ9aq/view?usp=drive_link)
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CHEYENNE, Wyoming, March 11 -- Gov. Mark Gordon, R-Wyoming, issued the following news release on March 9, 2026:
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Governor Gordon Allows School Finance Bill to go into Law Without His Signature
Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY) announced today he will allow SEA 0056 SF0081 - Public School Finance to become law without his signature, emphasizing his appreciation to the full Legislature and Select Committee on School Finance Recalibration (SCSFR) for their work on the "very complex issue" of school finance. In his letter (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZgUNXiACPtTCI6xVUf0qTBBXrK1NJ9aq/view?usp=drive_link)to Senate President Bo Biteman, the Governor was complimentary of the process waged statewide by elected officials to engage teachers, parents, administrators, and school board members to create an adequate funding model.
The Governor chose to allow the legislation to pass into law as a starting point. Citing concerns that the legislation disadvantages smaller districts, usurps local authority, and fails to address essential operational funding needs, the Governor expressed "promise" such will be addressed by the SCSFR during interim. Notably, the Governor cannot exercise a line-item prerogative on the SF0081 because it does not have multiple appropriations. His detailed no sign letter outlines measures that need further consideration.
"A central component of this bill is the restriction of funding for instructional purposes or the so-called 'instructional silo.' It is an approach that is well-intentioned and designed to maximize Wyoming's resources into the classroom. Nevertheless, I am concerned that the Legislature has failed to consider two important realities," Governor Gordon said.
"My concern is that the 'instructional silo' as currently contemplated may so unreasonably restrict school districts that they will be forced into an untenable position of either running the operational aspect of the district at a deficit or severely diminishing the operations," he said, claiming funding shortfalls to building maintenance, transportation, nutrition, safety and extracurricular activities, which "demonstrably augment educational mission" will be"potentially diminished by this act." The Governor cautioned the impact will be "magnified" in smaller districts, operating in singular buildings.
The Governor also took issue with the "instructional silo" as "an unreasonable encroachment on the prerogative of local school boards." A former Johnson County School Board member and current Chair of the Education Commission of the States, the Governor said, "What we hope for and have experienced with educational choice, the RIDE Initiative, and the Steamboat Scholarship is a celebration of local initiative with all its attendant benefits."
"When the state government becomes overly prescriptive to school districts, local control is sacrificed," Governor Gordon said, "Whether intentional or not, this act works to undermine that flexibility at the local level by hamstringing non "instructional silo" items. Rather than focusing on outcomes, this act dwells on inputs."
The Governor also signed the following enrolled acts into law:
SEA0053 SF0054 State banks and SPDI conversions.
SEA0054 SF0055 Special purpose depository institution-amendments.
SEA0055 SF0085 RAVEN Act.
SEA0057 SF0066 Donated hunting licenses-amendments.
SEA0058 SF0057 Transparency in hospital service pricing.
SEA0059 SF0061 Motor vehicle sales to family members-not taxable.
SEA0060 SF0023 Outpatient examination and commitment length.
The full list of bills the Governor has signed can be found on the Governor's website (https://governor.wyo.gov/state-government/bills).
The full text of all bills from the 2026 session may be found on the Wyoming Legislature's website (https://wyoleg.gov/Session/2026/SessionLanding).
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Original text here: https://governor.wyo.gov/news-releases/governor-gordon-allows-school-finance-bill-to-go-into-law-without-his-signature
Trump Administration Supports Wyo. Gov. Gordon's Veto of Anti-Law Enforcement Bill
CHEYENNE, Wyoming, March 11 -- Gov. Mark Gordon, R-Wyoming, issued the following news release on March 10, 2026:
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Trump Administration Supports Governor Gordon's Veto of Anti-Law Enforcement Bill
Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY) today vetoed Senate File 101 / Senate Enrolled Act No. 64, citing serious concerns raised by Wyoming Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police. Those concerns were echoed by the Trump Administration federal law enforcement officials, who warned the legislation could weaken critical cooperation between Wyoming law enforcement and federal agencies combating violent crime, firearms
... Show Full Article
CHEYENNE, Wyoming, March 11 -- Gov. Mark Gordon, R-Wyoming, issued the following news release on March 10, 2026:
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Trump Administration Supports Governor Gordon's Veto of Anti-Law Enforcement Bill
Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY) today vetoed Senate File 101 / Senate Enrolled Act No. 64, citing serious concerns raised by Wyoming Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police. Those concerns were echoed by the Trump Administration federal law enforcement officials, who warned the legislation could weaken critical cooperation between Wyoming law enforcement and federal agencies combating violent crime, firearmstrafficking, and cartel activity.
In a letter to the Governor (https://drive.google.com/file/d/10nvG00x0f34kscC4oxebr96O-mcT32sq/view?usp=drive_link), Acting Director Todd Lyons of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) cautioned that the bill, while framed as a Second Amendment protection measure, could instead undermine law enforcement efforts.
"The legislation undermines law enforcement by threatening Wyoming police officers with criminal charges, civil lawsuits, and steep financial penalties for their employers simply for cooperating with federal law enforcement on firearm investigations, even when those investigations target violent offenders, traffickers, or organized criminal networks," Lyons wrote.
The ICE letter further warned that restricting cooperation between federal and local law enforcement could make it harder to dismantle criminal networks responsible for firearms trafficking and cross-border smuggling.
"Many of the most serious gun crimes today--international firearms trafficking, cross-border smuggling, terrorist cartel-linked straw purchasing, airport security violations, and financial crimes tied to arms trafficking--are primarily federal offenses. In many of these cases, Wyoming law has no parallel statute at all. Without federal cooperation, these serious crimes may never be prosecuted," Lyons wrote.
Governor Gordon noted in his veto letter (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qwdnnNZHS27Ryl31OoeyAghcZeYUhMyw/view?usp=drive_link) that the concerns raised by federal law enforcement reinforce warnings raised throughout the legislative session by Wyoming's own law enforcement leaders.
"Please note that every single one of Wyoming's twenty-three duly elected sheriffs, numerous community police chiefs, and state law enforcement officials spoke out to list their concerns throughout the legislative session to no avail," Governor Gordon wrote in his veto message.
The Governor emphasized that Wyoming strongly supports the Second Amendment but warned the legislation could create serious unintended consequences for law enforcement and public safety.
"This legislation is an ambulance chasing activist litigator's meal ticket wrapped in a politically sacred wrapper of 'Second Amendment Protection,'" Governor Gordon said. "Illegal immigration, drug smuggling, human trafficking - major enforcement initiatives of President Trump's - will all be hindered as a consequence of this bill."
Governor Gordon reiterated that Wyoming law already protects against federal overreach under the U.S. Supreme Court's anti-commandeering doctrine established in Printz v. United States.
"If an order is given on the federal level to seize law-abiding Wyoming citizens' firearms, state and local law enforcement cannot be forced to administer or enforce any of their regulations," the Governor wrote.
With today's action, Governor Gordon formally returned Senate File 101 / Senate Enrolled Act No. 64 to the Legislature with his veto.
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INFODOC: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10nvG00x0f34kscC4oxebr96O-mcT32sq/view
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Original text here: https://governor.wyo.gov/news-releases/trump-administration-supports-governor-gordon-s-veto-of-anti-law-enforcement-bill
N.J. A.G. Davenport Vows To Continue Case Against Live Nation for Illegally Monopolizing Live Entertainment Industry
TRENTON, New Jersey, March 11 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on March 9, 2026:
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Attorney General Davenport Vows To Continue Case Against Live Nation for Illegally Monopolizing Live Entertainment Industry
Attorney General Jennifer Davenport released the following multistate statement regarding the ongoing antitrust case against Live Nation, which owns Ticketmaster, for illegally monopolizing the live entertainment industry and concert ticketing services:
"In May 2024, a bipartisan group of state attorneys general joined the U.S. Department
... Show Full Article
TRENTON, New Jersey, March 11 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on March 9, 2026:
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Attorney General Davenport Vows To Continue Case Against Live Nation for Illegally Monopolizing Live Entertainment Industry
Attorney General Jennifer Davenport released the following multistate statement regarding the ongoing antitrust case against Live Nation, which owns Ticketmaster, for illegally monopolizing the live entertainment industry and concert ticketing services:
"In May 2024, a bipartisan group of state attorneys general joined the U.S. Departmentof Justice to sue Live Nation for monopolizing the market for ticketing and using its monopoly power in the concert venue market to reinforce and protect that monopoly. For too long, Live Nation has raked in billions from a monopoly that has made it harder for consumers to see the artists they love, stifled artists, and increased the price of tickets for countless music fans.
"The case against Live Nation is strong, and the state coalition is committed to holding the company accountable for its illegal behavior, protecting consumers, and restoring competition to this market. The settlement recently announced does not adequately remedy the harms to the marketplace for live music and to concertgoers caused by Live Nation. We are willing and able to stand with other partner states to continue litigating this case without the federal government so that we can hold Live Nation accountable in court and secure appropriate relief in this case.
"As state attorneys general and antitrust enforcers, we are fully committed to protecting our citizens from illegal monopolies and restoring competition to the live music marketplace."
States continuing the case against Live Nation include Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and the District of Columbia.
Proceeding Plaintiff States' Motion for Mistrial (https://www.njoag.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Proceeding-Plaintiff-States-Motion-for-Mistrial.pdf)
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Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/attorney-general-davenport-vows-to-continue-case-against-live-nation-for-illegally-monopolizing-live-entertainment-industry/
N.H. Gov. Ayotte Highlights Progress and Opportunities in Strengthening Mental Health System
CONCORD, New Hampshire, March 11 -- Gov. Kelly Ayotte, R-New Hampshire, issued the following news release on March 10, 2026:
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Governor Ayotte Highlights Progress and Opportunities in Strengthening Mental Health System
Today, Governor Kelly Ayotte joined NAMI New Hampshire Executive Director Susan Stearns and Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Lori Weaver for a fireside chat to kick off NAMI New Hampshire's annual conference.
The discussion focused on progress made in strengthening New Hampshire's mental health system, challenges left to address, and opportunities to expand
... Show Full Article
CONCORD, New Hampshire, March 11 -- Gov. Kelly Ayotte, R-New Hampshire, issued the following news release on March 10, 2026:
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Governor Ayotte Highlights Progress and Opportunities in Strengthening Mental Health System
Today, Governor Kelly Ayotte joined NAMI New Hampshire Executive Director Susan Stearns and Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Lori Weaver for a fireside chat to kick off NAMI New Hampshire's annual conference.
The discussion focused on progress made in strengthening New Hampshire's mental health system, challenges left to address, and opportunities to expandmental health care through the Rural Transformation Grant program.
"Over the last year, we've taken important steps to strengthen our mental health system, from fully funding our community mental health centers, to supporting programs for Granite Staters in recovery and more," said Governor Ayotte. "We have a critical opportunity with New Hampshire's Rural Health Transformation Program to expand access to care, grow our mental health care workforce, and ensure our neighbors who are battling mental health challenges or recovering from substance use disorder get the support they need. I was glad to join NAMI New Hampshire and Commissioner Weaver this morning to discuss how we can continue our progress toward a healthier future for everyone in our state."
"The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services is committed to building a healthier future for Granite Staters, and mental health is at the core of that mission," said DHHS Commissioner Weaver. "Whether it's our Mission Zero initiative to eliminate emergency department boarding or our work to expand behavioral health services in rural areas through GO-NORTH, DHHS will continue working with Governor Ayotte and partners like NAMI New Hampshire to tackle our current challenges and make the most of future opportunities."
"New Hampshire's leaders recognize the critical importance of mental health and suicide prevention," said NAMI New Hampshire Executive Director Stearns. "NAMI New Hampshire was grateful to Governor Ayotte and NH DHHS Commissioner Weaver for joining an important discussion on these topics today. Despite a challenging budget environment, Governor Ayotte and DHHS have prioritized key services for mental health and substance use disorder treatment and recovery. While significant challenges remain, we are committed to our collective partnership to help Granite Staters find help and hold onto hope even in their darkest moments. You are not alone."
The budget Governor Ayotte signed into law last year fully funded uncompensated care at community mental health centers, sustained funding for the 9-8-8 crisis lifeline, and supported programs that help Granite Staters in recovery from substance use disorders, including the Doorways and Recovery Friendly Workplace programs. New Hampshire also received the largest Rural Health Transformation Grant Award in New England and has made expanding access to mental health services a critical pillar of the State's program.
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Original text here: https://www.governor.nh.gov/news/governor-ayotte-highlights-progress-and-opportunities-strengthening-mental-health-system
Md. A.G. Brown Joins Coalition Standing Up to Trump Administration Attacks on Professional Medical Organization
BALTIMORE, Maryland, March 11 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on March 10, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Joins Coalition Standing Up to Trump Administration Attacks on Professional Medical Organization
Attorney General Brown today joined a coalition of 19 attorneys general in support of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), which is being targeted by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over recommendations that run counter to the Trump administration's preferred policies.
The coalition filed an amicus brief in support of a lawsuit filed
... Show Full Article
BALTIMORE, Maryland, March 11 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on March 10, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Joins Coalition Standing Up to Trump Administration Attacks on Professional Medical Organization
Attorney General Brown today joined a coalition of 19 attorneys general in support of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), which is being targeted by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over recommendations that run counter to the Trump administration's preferred policies.
The coalition filed an amicus brief in support of a lawsuit filedby the AAP challenging the FTC's improper demands that the organization turn over extensive information regarding AAP's deliberative processes, personnel, internal and external communications, political advocacy, educational programs, finances, and more. The AAP is seeking a court order to block the FTC's Civil Investigative Demand for this information, which the FTC seeks to further the Administration's political agenda, rather than to ensure the wide availability of safe healthcare.
"When the federal government intimidates trusted medical organizations, Maryland families lose access to the reliable health guidance they count on to keep their children safe," said Attorney General Brown. "We stand with the AAP because science, not politics, should guide the healthcare decisions that affect Maryland's kids."
In their brief, Attorney General Brown and the coalition note that states have long been recognized as the regulators of healthcare and play a unique and critical role in ensuring that all people, including children and youth, have access to the highest quality and safest healthcare. To ensure that state public health policies and medical policy are driven by the latest developments and consensus among the medical and scientific community, Maryland looks to the policies and recommendations of pediatric healthcare experts, such as the AAP. State agencies, like the Maryland Department of Health, consider AAP guidance to help shape state policies to treat a range of childhood illnesses and medical conditions, such as measles and juvenile diabetes. States must be able to rely on the quality and accuracy of this guidance, which would be compromised by politically driven interference by the federal government.
Attorney General Brown and the attorneys general strongly oppose the Trump administration's political targeting of professional medical organizations like the AAP, which undermines states' ability to regulate the practice of medicine and ensure that safe and effective care is available to residents.
The attorneys general assert in their brief that targeting the AAP is part of a pattern by the Trump administration of disagreeing with widely held public health and medical recommendations of respected medical professionals and public health officials. The Administration also often issues guidance that conflicts with such recommendations, not only concerning healthcare for transgender youth, but also on many different medical issues, ranging from what amounts to a healthy diet and nutrition to whether pregnant women can safely take some medicines, like Tylenol.
The coalition is urging the court to grant AAP a preliminary injunction to stop the FTC's demands for information.
Joining Attorney General Brown in filing the brief are the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/-Attorney-General-Brown-Joins-Coalition-Standing-Up-to-Trump-Administration-Attacks-on-Professional-Medical-Organization--.aspx
Gov. Walz Announces Proposal to Transform Minnesota's Human Services System
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, March 11 -- Gov. Tim Walz, D-Minnesota, issued the following news release on March 10, 2026:
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Governor Walz Announces Proposal to Transform Minnesota's Human Services System
Governor Tim Walz today announced a proposal to transform Minnesota's human services system, outlining a major structural overhaul of the state's administration of human services. The proposal would streamline Minnesota's service delivery model, moving away from the complex, layered administration managed by a patchwork of counties, Managed Care Organizations, and state agencies to a single, centralized
... Show Full Article
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, March 11 -- Gov. Tim Walz, D-Minnesota, issued the following news release on March 10, 2026:
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Governor Walz Announces Proposal to Transform Minnesota's Human Services System
Governor Tim Walz today announced a proposal to transform Minnesota's human services system, outlining a major structural overhaul of the state's administration of human services. The proposal would streamline Minnesota's service delivery model, moving away from the complex, layered administration managed by a patchwork of counties, Managed Care Organizations, and state agencies to a single, centralizedentity.
The proposal would also modernize Medicaid administration, consolidate administrative functions, and initiate independent reviews to strengthen program integrity and improve how services are delivered to Minnesotans.
"Minnesota is consistently ranked as one of the best states to live because we invest in programs that support children, seniors, people with disabilities, and families," said Governor Walz. "But systems built decades ago must evolve to meet today's challenges. This proposal begins the work of modernizing how we deliver human services so we can strengthen oversight, increase efficiency, and improve the quality of services Minnesotans rely on. This is about asking whether the way our system is organized today best supports accountability, transparency, and effective service delivery for the future."
The Governor's proposal builds on recent efforts to strengthen fraud prevention and accountability in state programs, including a comprehensive anti-fraud package introduced in February, the permanent appointment of Commissioner Gandhi to lead the state Department of Human Services' ongoing efforts to combat fraud, and the implementation of a nine-part fraud prevention roadmap developed by Director of Program Integrity Tim O'Malley.
Governor Walz unveiled the proposal alongside Minnesota Department of Human Services Commissioner Shireen Gandhi, Inspector General James Clark, Deputy Commissioner and State Medicaid Director John Connolly, and Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) State Budget Director Ahna Minge.
Modernizing Medicaid Administration
A central component of the proposal would change how Minnesota administers Medicaid. Currently, about 45 percent of Medicaid spending and nearly 80 percent of basic care services are administered through eight Managed Care Organizations (MCOs).
Under the Governor's proposal, Minnesota would transition from the MCO model and establish a single statewide Administrative Service Organization (ASO) responsible for administrative duties such as claims processing, financial transactions, and provider services.
This change would allow Minnesotans receiving Medicaid to access the same provider networks, rates, and billing rules regardless of where they live, while strengthening consistency and program controls.
Strengthening Eligibility Oversight
The Governor's proposal also calls for shifting the Medicaid eligibility determination process for health care and long-term services from counties to the state, streamlining eligibility processes, and improving oversight.
Under the proposal, the state would assume responsibility for eligibility determinations and certain specialized Medical Assistance eligibility processes by July 1, 2028. The state would also pilot assuming some MnCHOICES eligibility functions related to long-term care, disability, and older adult services.
Evaluating the Future Structure of Human Services
The Governor's plan also includes funding for a comprehensive study examining how human services programs are administered across Minnesota. Counties and Tribal Nations play a critical role in delivering services, but Minnesota is one of a small number of states that continues to operate a large county-administered human services system.
The study will review how responsibilities are currently shared between the state, counties, and Tribal Nations and examine how other states structure their systems. It will also assess the administration of programs, including Medicaid (also known as Medical Assistance), MinnesotaCare, behavioral health services, housing support, economic assistance, child support, and child care programs.
The goal is to develop recommendations for a more transparent, efficient, and accessible system for Minnesotans.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services today announced a Request for Proposals (RFP) to re-evaluate and restructure its organization, operations, and the work culture of the 2,300 people who provide funding for social services across the state. The state is seeking proposals from independent consulting firms to provide recommendations on improving the effectiveness of the department serving as the state's Medicaid agency.
The request for proposal kicks off an extensive process review of agency operations that was ordered last fall by Governor Tim Walz in an executive order to combat fraud in state programs.
Governor Walz emphasized that the proposal marks the continuity of a long-term effort to modernize Minnesota's human services system and ensure programs remain strong, accountable, and effective for the Minnesotans who rely on them.
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Original text here: https://mn.gov/governor/newsroom/press-releases/#/detail/appId/1/id/730514
