The Senate Ways and Means (SWM) Committee this week released its FY 2023 budget recommendation totaling $49.7 billion, including $75 million for nursing facility direct care staff and patient quality supports to continue investments. The $75 million in Medicaid funding would be distributed as a rate add on for direct care staffing costs ($56.25 million) and for a supplemental payment to promote quality improvement ($18.75 million). In developing and administering these two programs, MassHealth would be required to consult with Mass Senior Care Association. We thank Senate President Spilka and Chairman Michael Rodrigues for their continued leadership and advocacy on behalf of quality nursing home care. Mass Senior Care will continue to advocate for vital workforce funds over multiple appropriation bills including the FY 2023 state budget, the FY 2022 surplus budget, and the ARPA appropriation bill, to ensure that facilities have the full resources necessary to maintain workforce staff wage increases provided during the pandemic for our deserving direct care staff.