As a part of National Disability Voter Registration Week, The Arc Minnesota is asking “Why is voting important to you?” Listen to what our self-advocates have to say.

Learn more about self-advocacy 

The post Why is voting important to you? first appeared on The Arc Minnesota.

The post Why is voting important to you? appeared first on The Arc Minnesota.

To help develop our 2020 legislative agenda and ensure that our public policy communications are as effective as possible, please take a few minutes to fill out our Civic Engagement Survey. Your responses are critical in ensuring that we advocate for and share information about issues of importance to you.

Feel free to forward this survey to people in your networks and encourage them to share their thoughts, too!

Please note that the deadline for survey responses is Monday, July 29th, so please take a few moments to complete the survey as soon as possible. Thanks in advance for your feedback!

Take Survey 

The post Take Our 2019 Civic Engagement Survey first appeared on The Arc Minnesota.

The post Take Our 2019 Civic Engagement Survey appeared first on The Arc Minnesota.

“Every legislative session, we depend on elected officials from around the state to act as champions for the disability community – to author and support bills, speak out at committee hearings, and make sure that issues of importance are prioritized and passed,” said Alicia Munson, Public Policy Director, The Arc Minnesota. “This session, we are sincerely grateful for the progress made in support of Minnesotans with disabilities.”

Legislation included the reduction of parental fees for Medical Assistance, improvements in Consumer Directed Community Supports, housing access, investment in Direct Support Professionals’ wages, and additional critical services for people with disabilities.

Please take a few moments to reach out to the following state Senators and Representatives via email (click on name for email) or social media, and share your appreciation for their partnership as champions for the disability community:

Thank you to Chairs of the Health and Human Services Committees, Sen. Jim Abeler and Rep. Tina Liebling.

Thank you to legislators who authored bills and led key initiatives including: Rep. Hunter Cantrell, Sen. John Hoffman, Rep. Mary Kunesh-Podein, Rep. Alice Mann, Rep. Kelly Moller, Sen. Jerry Relph, Rep. Jennifer Schultz, and Rep. Nick Zerwas.

For details, email message ideas, and more information about bills of interest, please check out the May 31 issue of our Public Policy newsletter, The Capitol Connector.

For up-to-date information on our legislative advocacy efforts, join The Capitol Connector email list.

The post Thank Minnesota Legislators first appeared on The Arc Minnesota.

The post Thank Minnesota Legislators appeared first on The Arc Minnesota.

The 2% provider tax on health care services is the main source of funding for the Health Care Access Fund, which contributes nearly $450 million to Medical Assistance in Minnesota.

The provider tax is scheduled to expire or “sunset” at the end of 2019, which would leave a hole of more than $900 million in our state budget – placing health & human services and education funding at risk.

The Governor and Lt. Governor have been key allies in protecting this key source of funding, but unfortunately, negotiations with legislative leadership have since stalled.

That’s why we need YOUR help to make sure elected officials continue the provider tax and maintain the promise of high quality healthcare for Minnesotans statewide!

Here’s what you can do:

Call or email your State Senator and express your support for the Provider Tax. Share a brief personal story about the importance of quality healthcare and Medical Assistance services or use this script: Hello, my name is ____________ and I live in ____________. I’m concerned about the impact for people with disabilities if the Health Care Access Fund is not sufficiently funded. Please commit to protecting health care by not letting the sunset on the provider tax. Thank you.

Not sure who represents you? Just enter your address into this Legislative District Finder, which will provide contact information for your State Senator.

With questions or for more information about the provider tax, Health Care Access Fund, and importance to the disability community, please contact Gene Martinez at genemartinez@arcminnesota.org.

Thank you for your advocacy on this critical issue!

The post Action Opportunity: Protect Healthcare for Minnesotans with Disabilities! first appeared on The Arc Minnesota.

The post Action Opportunity: Protect Healthcare for Minnesotans with Disabilities! appeared first on The Arc Minnesota.

These past few weeks have been busy for number-crunchers up at the Capitol, with a series of big announcements regarding the new Walz administration’s spending priorities and the fiscal “state of the state”.

On Tuesday, February 19th, Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan released their “Budget for One Minnesota” for the next fiscal biennium – 2020-2021 (starting on July 1, 2019 and ending on June 30, 2021).

Overall, the Governor’s recommendations would result in an additional $2 billion in general fund spending, while increasing net revenue by $1.3 billion. The Governor also recommends leaving $789 million unspent, or “on the bottom line”.

If you’re a visual learner like me, you might find this article – “Inside Gov. Tim Walz’s proposed budget” – from the Pioneer Press to be really helpful. It features seven graphs outlining the Governor’s budget – including his proposals for spending and for revenue increases.

Here are some of the proposals that would have a significant impact on Minnesotans with disabilities:

Education

– Increase special education aid by $22.9 million in FY 2020 and by $53.9 million in Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 to hold the state total cross subsidy steady at current levels. The Governor also recommends a new special education aid formula.

Health

– Invest in reforms that would enhanced protections for “vulnerable adults”, including the development of an assisted living licensure.

Housing

– Increase funding by $2 million for new workforce housing, and create an additional 150-350 new workforce housing opportunities statewide for families making $67,400 or less per year.

– Invest $1 million in the Rehabilitation Loan Program, which supports very low-income homeowners – one-third of whom have a family member with a disability – in making health, safety and energy efficiency improvements.

– Provide $2 million in grants to communities that establish Local Housing Trust Funds and invest in affordable housing projects.

Human Services

– Adjust the Medical Assistance fee schedule for adult dental services, resulting in a 54% increase.

– Repeal the sunset of the Provider Tax.

– Increase the income support portion of the Minnesota Family Investment Program by $100/month.

– Simplify Home & Community Based Services by combining the four disability waivers into two, streamline service offerings, and create an individual budget methodology.

– Invest in Direct Support Professionals by creating a 4.7% Competitive Workforce Factor in the Disability Waiver Rate System.

– Invest in staff supporting individuals who access self-directed services – specifically increasing the minimum wage to $13.25/hour by 2019, increasing paid time off, and establishing holiday pay.

– Implement program integrity measures for the Nonemergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) program.

– Implement Electronic Visit Verification for individuals accessing Personal Care Assistance and home health services.

– Update the payment methodology for Durable Medical Equipment.

– Create a new billing code for home health agencies to bill Medical Assistance  for a skilled nurse visit performed by a licensed practical nurse (LPN).

Metropolitan Council – Transportation

– Increase funding for transit services for people with disabilities by 20%. The Governor also recommends changes to statute that would allow the Council and the Department of Human Services to share client data, allowing the Council to receive additional federal funds for the Metro Mobility program.

Secretary of State

Allow voters with a disability to receive and mark their ballot electronically, allowing them to vote privately and independently.

Transportation

– Advance Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAV) policy, planning, testing, and implementation.

For those that want a deeper dive into the budget proposals that would impact our disability community, I put together this overview of the “change items” in several key agency areas.

In addition to his budget recommendations, the Governor has also outlined an ambitious bonding proposal – released on Wednesday, February 27th. He recommends investing $1.27 billion in infrastructure projects statewide – with a strong focus on transportation and higher education.

Of specific interest to the disability community is his proposal to invest $150 million in affordable housing measures, and $19.5 million in projects that would improve accessibility in Minnesota’s state parks.

However, finding the funding to make any new investments this legislative session – whether outlined in the Governor’s budget and bonding proposals or not – will be a challenging task. The February economic forecast – released last Thursday, February 28th – showed the state’s budget surplus coming in nearly $500 million lower than projections last November ($1.1 billion total surplus), and even predicted a deficit of $11 million in fiscal year 2022-2023.

The entire process of creating a state budget is complex, and can get a bit messy… like baking a cake! At least, that’s how Minnesota Public Radio News political reporter, Briana Biersbach, describes it. To help get a clearer picture of Minnesota’s budget process, check out this helpful video she developed.

And, as always, please don’t hesitate to contact me with questions or for more information about the Governor’s budget recommendations, bonding proposal, and the February forecast at aliciamunson@arcminnesota.org.

The post Budgets and Bonding and Forecasts, Oh My! The News in Numbers first appeared on The Arc Minnesota.

The post Budgets and Bonding and Forecasts, Oh My! The News in Numbers appeared first on The Arc Minnesota.

The election resulted in some significant changes in Washington D.C. and here in Minnesota; here are some of the most notable outcomes at the federal and state levels:

Congress (Washington, D.C.)

• Democrats took control of the U.S. House of Representatives, flipping more than 23 seats needed to reclaim the majority they lost in 2010. In response to what’s been called the “blue wave”, Republicans put up a “red wall” in the U.S. Senate – retaining control and even expanding their current majority.
• In Minnesota’s race for U.S. Senate, Democrats Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith beat Republican challengers Jim Newberger and Karin Housley (respectively).
• In the first Congressional District (CD1), Republican Jim Hagedorn has been declared the winner over Democrat Dan Feehan, flipping control of this district. With less than 2000 votes between them, Feehan has not yet conceded and may request a recount.
• In CD2, Democrat Angie Craig defeated incumbent Republican Jason Lewis, flipping control of this district
• In CD3, Democrat Dean Phillips defeated Republican incumbent Erik Paulsen, flipping control of this district
• In CD4, incumbent Democrat Betty McCollum defeated Republican challenger Greg Ryan
• In CD5, Democrat Ilhan Omar defeated Republican challenger Jennifer Zielinski – making her the first Somali-American elected to Congress, and the second Muslim woman elected
• In CD6, incumbent Republican Tom Emmer retained his seat, defeating DFL-er Ian Todd
• In CD7, incumbent Democrat Collin Peterson retained his seat, defeating Republican challenger Dave Hughes
• In CD8, Republican Pete Stauber defeated Democrat Joe Radinovich, flipping control of this district
• Despite the significant changes in CD2, 3, 8, and (most likely) 1, the DFL-Republican split within Minnesota’s congressional delegation will remain 5 seats to 3.

State (Minnesota legislature)

• In the race for Governor, Democrat Tim Walz defeated Republican Jeff Johnson
• Despite a challenging election cycle, Keith Ellison beat out Keith Wardlow in the race for Attorney General
• Current Secretary of State Steve Simon won re-election
• Republicans retained a one-seat majority in the state Senate, with current Representative Jeff Howe defeating Democrat Joe Perske in the special election in District 13 – the only Senate seat on ballots this year – vacated by current Lieutenant Governor Michelle Fischbach
• Democrats flipped 18 seats in the state House of Representatives, somewhat unexpectedly reclaiming a majority in the lower body. The following seats flipped from Republican to Democrat:
  • 5A: John Persell (D) defeated incumbent Matt Bliss (R) to reclaim the seat he lost in 2016 by only .2% – triggering an automatic recount
  • 14B: Without a coordinated write-in candidate effort after Representative Jim Knoblach (R) suspended his campaign in October, Dan Wolgamott (D) won this seat with 58% of the vote
  • 33B: Kelly Morrison (D) defeated incumbent Cindy Pugh (R)
  • 34B: Kristin Bahner (D) defeated incumbent Dennis Smith (R)
  • 36A: Zack Stephenson (D) defeated Bill Maresh (R) in this race for an open seat currently held by Representative Mark Uglem
  • 38B: Ami Wazlawik (D) defeated Patti Anderson (R)  in this race for an open seat currently held by Matt Dean
  • 39B: Shelly Christensen (D) defeated incumbent Kathy Lohmer (R)
  • 42A: Kelly Moller (D) defeated incumbent Randy Jessup (R)
  • 44A: Ginny Klevorn (D) defeated incumbent Sarah Anderson (R)
  • 48B: Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn (D) defeated incumbent Jenifer Loon (R)
  • 49A: Heather Edelson (D) defeated incumbent Dario Anselmo (R)
  • 52B: Ruth Richardson (D) defeated incumbent Regina Barr (R)
  • 53B: Steve Sandell (D) defeated incumbent Kelly Fenton (R)
  • 54A: Anne Claflin (D) defeated incumbent Keith Franke (R)
  • 55A: Brad Tabke (D) defeated Erik Mortenson (R) for the seat currently held by Representative Bob Loon, who lost in the August primary
  • 56A: Hunter Cantrell (D) defeated incumbent Drew Christensen (R)
  • 56B: Alice Mann (D) defeated incumbent Roz Peterson (R)
  • 57B: John Huot (D) defeated incumbent Anna Wills ®

On average, 17 seats in the state House of Representatives flip parties during midterm elections – in favor of the party opposite the sitting President. Democrats needed only 11 seats in order to regain the majority

The following were elected to Senate and House leadership positions on Thursday (11/8):

• President of the Senate: Jeremy Miller (R, 28)

• Senate Majority Leader: Paul Gazelka (R, 09)
• Senate Minority Leader: Not yet announced
• Speaker of the House: Melissa Hortman (D, 36B)
• House Majority Leader: Ryan Winkler (D, 46A)
• House Minority Leader: Not yet announced

With Republicans in control of the Senate and Democrats in control of the House, Minnesota’s legislature is the only in the nation with split control.

To see who won in your district, visit the Secretary of State’s Minnesota Election Results page.

Also of note, The Arc Minnesota Board member Kim Norton was elected as the first female Mayor in Rochester, Minnesota on Tuesday. Congratulations to Kim!

With questions or for more information about the 2018 midterm election outcomes, please contact aliciamunson@arcminnesota.org. Thank you!

The post A New Political Landscape: 2018 Midterm Election Outcomes first appeared on The Arc Minnesota.

The post A New Political Landscape: 2018 Midterm Election Outcomes appeared first on The Arc Minnesota.

The post Learn How to Participate in Local Elections on November 7 first appeared on The Arc Minnesota.

The post Learn How to Participate in Local Elections on November 7 appeared first on The Arc Minnesota.

Minnesota joined a consortium with eight other states to create and operate an ABLE Act program on January 31, 2017. With ABLE plans now available across the nation, Minnesotans with disabilities and their families will soon have another excellent way to save funds to enhance the individual’s future.  

Find more information and open an ABLE account here.

The post ABLE Accounts Now Available to Minnesotans with Disabilities first appeared on The Arc Minnesota.

The post ABLE Accounts Now Available to Minnesotans with Disabilities appeared first on The Arc Minnesota.

Schedule of Events

10:00 a.m.: Check in at the L’etoile du Nord Room in the State Capitol basement. Pick up materials and fact sheets.

11:30 a.m.: Join advocates from around the state in the Capitol Rotunda and rally!!

Before and/or after the rally: Meet with your state legislators.

There is no fee to attend, however, please register and let us know you are attending here.

Prepare for the Day

• Make an appointment with your state senator and representative before you come. If you don’t know who your state legislators are, call 1-800-657-3550, or click here.
• Go to www.arcmn.org for briefing materials and for fact sheets on a number of the disability issues that advocates will be working on this session. See links to Disability Matters Day at the Capitol on the home page of www.arcmn.org
• Make plans for lunch. You can buy lunch in the basement of the State Capitol or the cateteria in the State Transporation Builiding nearby, or you can bring lunch with you to eat at the event.
• Make a plan for transportation and parking. Information on parking at the State Capitol (including accessible parking lots) can be found here.
• The newly restored Minnesota State Capitol has added some features to make it more accessible. Click here. 
• Bring a supply of quarters and/or a credit card to pay for metered parking.

Please contact Mike Gude with any questions at mailto:mikeg@arcmn.orgor 651-604-8066.

The event sponsors include: Brain Injury Alliance of Minnesota, Get Up Stand Up to Cure Paralysis Foundation, Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities, and The Arc Minnesota. Photo credit: Doug Knutson.

See you at the Capitol on February 28th!

The post Disability Matters Day at the Capitol — February 28, 2017 first appeared on The Arc Minnesota.

The post Disability Matters Day at the Capitol — February 28, 2017 appeared first on The Arc Minnesota.

Comments from members of The Arc on these statements are welcomed and encouraged. Through this survey, members have the opportunity for input on documents that can become the official positions of The Arc Minnesota.

Delegates to The Arc Minnesota’s annual meeting will vote on these statements at this year’s annual meeting of The Arc Minnesota on September 23, 2016. Comments can be submitted before 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 14, 2016 through a survey. To provide comments, click here.

The post The Arc Minnesota Position Statements Survey first appeared on The Arc Minnesota.

The post The Arc Minnesota Position Statements Survey appeared first on The Arc Minnesota.