Ending Elder Abuse, Reforming State Telecommunting Policy

A recent Star Tribune series detailing allegations of abuse, neglect, theft and unexplained injuries at state-licensed senior care facilities prompted Republican lawmakers to renew calls for change at the Minnesota Department of Health. As chair of the Senate Committee on Aging and Long-term Care Policy, Senator Karin Housley, R-St. Marys Point, joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to talk about her efforts to better protect the elderly and vulnerable.

At a press conference this week, Democratic Governor Mark Dayton announced his selection of Lieutenant Governor Tina Smith to fill the U.S. Senate seat of departing Senator Al Franken. According to the Minnesota Constitution, the move sets in motion the ascendance of Senate President Michelle Fischbach, a Republican from Paynesville, to the role of Lieutenant Governor. Senator Fischbach declared her intention of doing both jobs at a State Capitol press conference.

Last month, Fox9 featured a report about a Minnesota DNR employee who telecommutes from Northern California to conduct his work managing shore land. Senator Mark Koran, R-North Branch, believes the story demonstrated an abuse of current telework policy. He joins Shannon to offer his perspective on potential reforms for telecommuting state workers.