Important Updates and Next Steps: Committee Outreach for Amendment A20 and SF 4310
A MARSH member has shared critical updates from the legislature and specific guidance for our next round of advocacy. Here is what you need to know.
What Happened at the Legislature
In the Senate: SF 4310 was not moved forward in the omnibus bill, but an important amendment (A20) was added that increases rates by 10% for levels 3 and 4, and 20% for levels H and E. This amendment was proposed to move forward to the Finance Committee.
In the House: HF 4288 was not included in the omnibus bill, with Rep. Franson expressing strong disappointment. The House omnibus bills now move to the Ways and Means Committee.
Key Committees to Contact Now
Our advocacy focus turns to two critical committees where MARSH members from Human Services committees are positioned to influence outcomes.
House Ways and Means Committee
Support HF 4288 and HF 4338 Omnibus. Key members from Human Services include Rep. Jeff Backer and Rep. Mohamud Noor.
Senate Finance Committee
Support SF 4310 and SF 4476 Omnibus. Key members from Human Services include Sen. Zaynab Mohamed and Sen. Melissa Wiklund.
Letter Template and Key Messaging
A MARSH member has shared a template that emphasizes telling your specific story and showing how your budget will change under the flat rate system versus the DWRS framework. Here are the key points to make:
Template Structure for Committee Letters
Opening: Thank you for reading my letter. I am [your name], I live [location], I am licensed for [details].
Position: I am disappointed that the Omnibus bill does not include SF 4310 (HF 4288). I understand you need to balance the budget, but here is the reality for my home.
Your specific data:
DWRS rate 2025 | Flat Rate | CRS rate
[Put your last year rate] | [What your case mix rate is] | [What CRS rate is]
[Do this for each person in your care]
Key points about the flat rate system:
- The flat rate only pays for "staffing hours" but we have costs beyond staffing
- Current hourly rates range from $8.12 to $15.97 - below minimum wage in many areas
- Staff will not work for less than they can get at CRS facilities ($20.50 minimum)
- The DWRS framework covers staffing, transportation, programming, benefits, and administration
Closing: Please support moving SF 4310 forward in the Omnibus bill rather than continuing with a flat rate system that will force home closures.
Critical Issues with Amendment A20
While the proposed amendment A20 increases rates for levels 3, 4, H, and E, it does not address the core problem. Many assessments place individuals in Level L, which would remain at $254.06 or $10.59 per hour - below minimum wage statewide. This selective increase does not solve the fundamental issue that providers cannot operate sustainably under the flat rate system.