This week Governor Dayton released an updated budget, lowering the proposed provider rate cuts from 4.5% to 2%, he also eliminated the congregate care cut. The reduction of the rate cut was without a doubt in part, due to the work you are doing on the ground. The grassroots numbers are nothing short of amazing and the feedback we receive is invaluable.
Since the election, ARRM members have reported hosting thirty four site visits with their local legislators. Site visits are one of the most effective tools we have to show legislators, first hand, the value of the services we are providing. Representative Kathy Lohmer recently talked about her visit to a REM home in her legislative update, she stated:
“I also had an informative visit to a REM Minnesota home in Bayport. REM Minnesota has been providing service options for people with disabilities since 1967. I had a tour of the home and productive discussion regarding their funding and their legislative concerns. As I continue to work here at the Capitol, I am constantly reminded of how vitally important it is to care for the most vulnerable in our community.”
ARRM members have also been speaking out to their legislators through attending townhall meetings and visits at the Capitol. In a recent meeting with Rep. Steve Drazkowski (28B), he stated that he “considers disability services to be a priority of his and the Republican caucus.” Rep. Leon Lillie (55A) told an ARRM member that “he has been voting against budget cuts of services for six years and will continue to do so,” and Rep. Ernie Leidiger (34A), was recently quoted by an ARRM members as saying, “this is not the kind of stuff we should be cutting.”
It is clear from this feedback that you are making a difference, but the hard work isn’t over yet. With only a few weeks until the Republican led legislature releases their budget proposal, it is never more important for you to contact your legislator.
There are many ways you can get involved with grassroots advocacy. ARRM has recently launched “March madness: Pen your Priorities,” which is a personal letter writing campaign. You can download a letter raiser tool kit from ARRM’s website. ARRM also encourages you to schedule a site visit, friend your legislator on Facebook, attend ARRM’s MN CCD Tuesday at the Capitol, add ARRM as a friend of Facebook, or follow ARRM on Twitter.
Thank you for all you have done so far. It is through your work that the message to protect core services to people with disabilities is spreading across the state.
--Sara Krogman, Field Coordinator