Tom Horner on Veteran’s Health Care

Part of our contract with military personnel is providing veterans with quality medical care. We need to live up to our commitment. However, we also need to be respectful of taxpayers’ dollars. Consequently, the answer isn’t just in whether or not we should bond for additional veterans’ homes.

First, Minnesota needs to use its recognized leadership and innovation in health care to work with the federal government and the military health system to provide active and inactive military personnel with quality care before they reach their frail older years.

Second, we need to start now to reform older adult services for all Minnesotans. With a population that is aging rapidly, the current system (which depends largely on very expensive nursing home care) is not sustainable. By investing in community-based services, new technologies that can improve nursing home care and other reforms, older Minnesotans will be able to enjoy a higher quality of life at lower cost.

And, finally, we need to reform the entire process of how we invest through the bonding process. Bonding should be part of a long-term Minnesota infrastructure investment plan, not just a biennial prok grab.