Legislative Priorities

MBA Public Policy Committee

The MBA Public Policy Committee is MBA’s working committee for advocacy to promote policies that address the needs and interests of older adults in Minnesota.

In support of MBA’s mission, this committee seeks to inform state leaders and communities about current systems, innovations and opportunities to advance policies that meet the needs of a growing aging population. Public Policy Committee work is done through effective communication, relationship building, education and collaboration with partners who share our values.

Public Policy Committee members are committed to working closely with AAA leadership and staff, aligning MBA and AAA advocacy efforts to the extent possible. Public Policy Committee members are also committed to having a strong community presence in collaborative efforts to educate the public, assist older adults and families to self-advocate, and lead the state in the prevention of abuse, neglect and exploitation of elders and vulnerable adults.

Policies supported by MBA focus on:

• protecting vulnerable people
• supporting communities to become more livable at all ages and building sustainable intergenerational communities
• improving the quality of long-term care services and supports
• helping individuals make decisions related to aging
• eliminating institutional barriers and social inequities.
  

2025 legislative priorities

MBA legislative proposals and endorsements (PDF)

On-going policy objectives

The Public Policy Committee continues to prioritize policy initiatives in the following areas:

1. Advancing affordable housing solutions for older adults
   A member of the MBA is also a member of the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency Board and shares updates on efforts to develop and maintain affordable older adult and multi-generational housing and allow flexibility in the use of home modification funding, as well as activities to end homelessness among older adults.
2. Supporting telecommunications and broadband availability for older adults
   MBA supports the ongoing efforts to blanket the state with broadband communication capabilities to ensure future telecommunication and technology are available to all Minnesotans.
3. Advancing transportation options 
   MBA is a member of the Minnesota Council on Transportation Access (MCOTA), which has prioritized public policy efforts to enable recruiting and supporting more volunteer drivers to add to this workforce. 
4. Advancing the work of Age-Friendly Minnesota 
   MBA is a member of Age-Friendly Minnesota and supports the expansion of age-friendly communities throughout the state and age-friendly policy priorities.