Seniors in nursing homes and assisted living facilities across Minnesota are raising a glass to Anita LeBrun after her successful push to create what is known as the “Grandparents Happy Hour” bill.
Sheinelle Jones and Craig Melvin honored LeBrun in person with a toast of their own on TODAY Aug. 3, clinking glasses with the grandmother of five after she received a generous pour of her favorite Barefoot pinot grigio.
“You don’t want to carry me out,” she joked after holding up her goblet-sized wine glass.
LeBrun, 82, fought to change a law after learning that her assisted living facility in Champlin, Minnesota, couldn’t legally serve its residents alcohol without securing an additional liquor license first. The license could cost an extra $1,000 to $6,700 annually, according to the Washington Post.
The grandmother of five fought to change that restriction, making it about more than a cocktail at happy hour. She wanted seniors in assisted living and nursing homes to have the same rights as anyone else.
“I’m so happy that it passed, it’s a great thing for us,” she said on TODAY of the bill, which took effect Aug. 1.