Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to create a Healthy Aging Subcabinet and a Citizens Engagement Council in Minnesota. Their primary goal is to ensure that residents of Minnesota can age with dignity and have opportunities for optimal health and well-being. It also calls for the development of a comprehensive Minnesota Healthy Aging Plan to address the needs of the aging population.

Main Provisions

• Establishment of the Healthy Aging Subcabinet: This new entity will operate under Minnesota Management and Budget. It will facilitate statewide planning for healthy aging and provide policy solutions for challenges associated with aging.

• Role of the Director: A director, appointed by the governor, will lead the subcabinet, oversee the development of the Minnesota Healthy Aging Plan, and engage with communities to ensure comprehensive input and policy development.

• Subcabinet Duties: The subcabinet is tasked with integrating aging-related considerations into state planning, identifying funding opportunities, evaluating current initiatives, and promoting evidence-based approaches to healthy aging.

• Citizens Engagement Council: This council will be established to include diverse members from various sectors and will provide input on aging policies and initiatives.

• Public Awareness and Engagement: A website will be maintained to promote awareness and gather public input on aging issues. Annual reports will be published to detail the office's activities and legislative recommendations.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Formation of New Entities: The bill proposes the formation of the Healthy Aging Subcabinet and Citizens Engagement Council, which are new initiatives aimed at addressing aging concerns comprehensively.

• Comprehensive Aging Plan: The requirement for a new Minnesota Healthy Aging Plan represents a major step towards systematically addressing aging issues by involving public participation and multiple sectors.

• Annual Reporting: The office is mandated to produce and submit annual reports to the governor and relevant legislative bodies, a new accountability and transparency measure.

Relevant Terms

• Healthy Aging Subcabinet
• Citizens Engagement Council
• Minnesota Healthy Aging Plan
• Community-based initiatives
• Social determinants of health
• Long-term care
• Caregivers
• Public engagement and policy
• Evidence-based approaches
• Aging policy and oversight