Our Accomplishments

Our team determined our focus in October 2022 and prioritized the legislative priorities aligned with coalition partners to create pathways for Medicaid reimbursement for School Social Work services provided in schools.

Medicaid in Schools Legislation

Major Wins

Medicaid Reimbursement for School Social Work Services adopted into statute

$64M in new funding for school support personnel

Reduction of special education cross subsidy by 44%

11 1:1 Meetings with Legislators

4 Coalitions engaged and supported

4 Letters of support submitted and draft letters shared broadly

16 Committee hearings

1 Issue summary completed and shared

Coalitions & Partners Engaged

Minnesota School Social Workers Association (MSSWA): is a politically responsive, state wide organization committed to the improvement of the school social work profession and to the well being of children and their families. This is accomplished by networking with other professional organizations, providing leadership, gathering and disseminating information and advocating for children.

Minnesota Administrators for Special Education (MASE): fosters high quality programs of professional development for members, to make studies of selected programs that relate to services to children with disabilities, improving the leadership of administrators for special education and to be active in the legislative process.

School Nurse Organization of Minnesota (SNOM): The School Nurse Organization of Minnesota advances excellence in school nursing practice to promote student health for student success.

Statewide Network of Educational Cooperative Service Units: serving as vehicles for providing and promoting educational cooperation among school districts throughout the state.

Highlights

Bipartisan authors including championing of bill by Sen Nick Frentz, Sen Melissa Wiklund, Sen Jim Abeler, Sen John Hoffman, Sen Nicole Mitchell & Rep Cheryl Youakim, Rep Luke Frederick, Rep Laurie Pryor, Rep Debra Kiel, Rep Hemmingsen-Jaeger, Rep Mary Clardy, Rep Kristi Pursell.
Negotiations between the MN Department of Human Services, MN Department of Education, bill authors & advocates focused on the necessity of diagnostic assessments.
Engagement with diverse partners including advocates, community based organizations, the Children's Cabinet and legislative allies.