ARRM News and Public Relations

ARRM Alert: Contact your state senator NOW, we need support for HHS finance bill

The Health and Human Services Finance Conference Committee agreed to several provisions that address the many unintended consequences adopted last summer and advance major reforms for disability services.

Please contact your state senator NOW with this or a similar message:

The Health and Human Services Conference Committee agreement helps people with disabilities and their providers in many ways. Please vote to adopt the conference committee report on H.F. 2294.

The bill addresses the 1.67 percent continent rate reduction, the 10 percent lower needs congregate care cut and the delicensure of corporate foster care beds. It also contains 15 major reforms to make services more cost effective and focused on quality outcomes for individuals.

We will have an issue-by-issue summary out very soon.

To find out who your state senator is: http://www.gis.leg.mn/OpenLayers/districts/

News reports say that the bill may be voted on this afternoon -- as early as 1 p.m. Because of the urgency of this Alert, please email your senator now. You should be able to find your senator's email address on his or her Web page, or you may also email them at sen.firstname.lastname@senate.mn.

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'The Influence Game' filled with practical grassroots tactics and tips

Stephanie Vance, the “Advocacy Guru” is the author of a new book called The Influence Game, due out from Wiley publishing on June 5th. Readers will learn how to apply 50 tactics that D.C. insiders use to influence elected officials to any situation. The book highlights the work of organizations like ours around the country as an example of effective and ethical influence. If you want more practical advice on how to support our issues at the local, state and federal level, please order this book. 

Order by April 20th for FREEBIES! More information at www.theinfluencegame.com/pre-orders/

Contact your state senator on 10% cut and delicensing

Thank you for contacting your legislators earlier this week and asking them to eliminate the 1.67 percent reduction. Your calls and emails made an impact: Last night the House Health and Human Services Finance Committee adopted an omnibus bill that changed the 1.67 percent contingent rate reduction into a contingent payment delay and included language that still reduces corporate foster care bed capacity, but not as arbitrarily as when someone moves out.

The bill addressed the 10 percent congregate care cut, but the proposal is structured in a way that will not reduce those cuts.

Now, we need to focus on the Senate to address the congregate care and delicensing provisions.

By Monday, please contact your senator with the following message, in your own words:

Services for people with disabilities were disproportionately cut in special session by two provisions:

• The 10 percent reduction for individuals with “lower” needs in congregate care settings. Many individuals defined as “low” needs have complex needs, and the reduction hurts our ability to maintain services for the other residents who live in the group home.

• A surprise provision that de-licenses corporate foster care beds if an individual chooses to move to other services or another facility. This would severely destabilize the system by arbitrarily closing beds.

• Ask your senator to talk with Sen. David Senjem and Sen. David Hann about fixing these two issues.

Make your contact by Monday as we expect the Senate Health and Human Services Committee to take up its omnibus bill on Wednesday.

To find out who your state senator is and how to contact them click here.

Call to action: Contact your legislators now on 1.67% contingent care cut

The health and human services agreement in special session last summer imposed an 18-month 1.67% rate reduction for home and community services to start July 1, 2012 if the state did not get permission from the CMS to implement tighter nursing home level of care standards before that date. Minnesota doesn’t yet have an answer from CMS.

The legislative session is beginning to head down the home stretch as both the House and Senate Health and Human Service Committee will finalize their budgets in the next few days. We know that at least a partial solution to the 1.67% reduction is under consideration.

You can play a key role in our efforts to eliminate this cut.

Call or email your state representative and senator and ask them to talk to their leaders to eliminate the 1.67% rate reduction for services for elderly and disabled individuals. 

In your own words, tell them the impact of this cut on your ability to maintain services. This reduction was never given a public hearing, was added behind closed doors at the end of the 2011 special session, and is in addition to the 1.5% across the board reduction and the 10% congregate care reduction. Tell them that you believe their intention was not to reduce rates and the corresponding disability services this severely, and to please ask their leaders to eliminate the 1.67% rate cut.

If you have calculated the impact of this cut on your agency, share the figures and the real-world implications the reductions have on the services you provide.

Please act fast, especially with your House representative as that decision is being made now.

To find out who your representative and senators are and how to contact them click here.

Correction:  Yesterday’s blog included the wrong link to get access to Chair Abeler’s budget bill, to be posted after 5 p.m. today. Here is the correct link.

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Snapshots of grassroots advocacy

ARRM members have been busy spreading the message about ARRM's Blueprint for Reform to their legislators. Check out a few of the photos!

Rep. Sarah Anderson (43A) meets with a residents at a Hammer home.

A group from Mary T. Inc. meet with newly elected Senator Kari Dziedzic (59).

A couple of folks from Mary T. Inc. meet with Rep. Sandra Peterson (45A)

Staff members from Wingspan rally at ARRM's Day at the Capitol.

ARRM kicks off the 2012 session with 2 new advocacy tools

ARRM has created two new documents to support disability advocates in your grassroots efforts this session. As ARRM continues to talk about re-designing the disability system, you can use these tools to  educate yourself about the legislative process, and others about the value of the work you do.

MINNESOTA’S LEGISLATURE: A Session Primer

ARRM’s session primer is a tool created to teach grassroots advocates about how the state legislature works. Our hope is that staff, family members, and self-advocates will use this tool to learn about the process at the state capitol and therefore feel more comfortable advocating for disability issues. You can access the primer here.

A Day in the Life of a DSP story telling tool

The most compelling component of grassroots advocacy is your personal story. ARRM has put together a document to make telling your story even easier. A Day in the Life of a DSP aims to educate legislators about a DSP's important work, and how recent budget cuts have affected your day-to-day activities. Fill out this document and bring it with you to ARRM’s Day at the Capitol, mail it to your legislator, or give it to them during a site visit. A Day in the Life of a DSP can be found here.

Special election results and precinct caucuses

ARRM would also like to remind you that five new legislators began their terms this session. If you live in any of the districts listed below, please introduce yourself to your new legislator -- by phone, email, or letter --  and tell them about the impact of past budget cuts. Use ARRM's storytelling tools (like the Day in the Life of a DSP above) and grassroots messages to help formulate your story. We would also like to remind you that precinct caucuses are coming up on February 7. To locate your caucus, visit the Minnesota Secretary of State’s precinct caucus finder.

Senator Mary Jo McGuire (D-66)
Sen.Maryjo.Mcguire@senate.mn
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
State Office Building, Rm 23
St. Paul, MN 55155
(651) 296-5537

Senator Jeff Hayden (D-61)
Sen.Jeff.Hayden@senate.mn
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
State Office Building, Rm 151
St. Paul, MN 55155
(651) 396-4261

Senator Chris Eaton (D-46)
Sen.Chris.Eaton@senate.mn
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
State Office Building, Rm 21
St. Paul, MN 55155
(651) 296-8869

Senator Kari Dziedzic (D-59)
Sen.Kari.Dzidzic@senate.mn
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
State Office Building, Rm 27
St. Paul, MN 55155
(651) 296-7809

Representative Susan Allen (D-61B)
Rep.Susan.Allen@house.mn
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
State Office Building, Rm 289
St. Paul, MN 55155
(651) 296-7152

--Sara Grafstrom, Director of Advocacy and Community Relations

Advocacy update: Get ready for January 24th legislative session

The 2012 Legislative Session is just under two weeks away, with the second half of the 2011-2013 biennium beginning on Tuesday, January 24. ARRM is eager to continue its work with legislators reforming, rebalancing, and reshaping our state’s disability system. Grassroots advocates are critical to this work, and ARRM's advocacy program, which has become a cornerstone of ARRM’s legislative efforts, will continue to grow and expand.

To support your grassroots efforts, ARRM has developed a myriad of tools and resources for members.

Messages

As in previous years, ARRM has created new grassroots messages for this session. We realize that direct support professionals have a different story to tell than family members, and self-advocates have a different story than upper-level management. With that in mind, we have unique grassroots messages for each constituency. You can find these messages in ARRM’s Advocacy Arsenal located here.

Tools

Also in the Advocacy Arsenal, you will find tool kits and templates to help you craft and tell your story.

Time and again we hear from legislators that personal stories are the most effective way to put a human face on a complicated issue. That's why we ask that you do one more thing than you did last year: contact your legislator by phone, email, or letter, or invite them to a program site to see firsthand the work you do every day. To find your legislator you can visit the state’s district finder tool by clicking here.

Communications

Word from the Capitol is that the 2012 session will be short. To stay up-to-date as things move quickly through the legislature, visit our advocacy calendar and follow us on Twitter.

Events

Mark March 1, 2012 on your calendars as ARRM’s Day at the Capitol. The rally in the Rotunda begins at 10:30 a.m., and once again, we'll set up meetings with your legislators on your behalf. Look for more information and registration early next week.

Last year we have almost 1,000 people registered to attend our Day at the Capitol, and we're hoping to meet and surpass that number this year. We're also hosting a MN-CCD "Tuesday at the Capitol" on March 27, so attend that event too if can you can.

Training

Finally, the Minnesota Council of Non-Profits (MCN) will offer a variety of workshops on the rules related to nonprofit advocacy and the upcoming legislative session. Visit MCN's website to learn more about advocacy training around the state.

--Sara Grafstrom, Director of Advocacy and Community Relations

Upcoming special elections to fill two open Senate seats

ARRM would like to remind our members with program sites, families or employees in Districts 46 and 61 that a primary election for vacant state Senate seats in these districts will take place on September 13th. The general election will be held on October 18th.

In District 61, the election will fill the seat vacated by state Sen. Linda Berglin who resigned in July to take a position with Hennepin County. Six DFL candidates are running in the primary, and the winner will face a candidate from the Republican, Green and Independence Parties in the October 18^th general election.

In District 46, the seat left open by Sen. Linda Scheid who passed away from ovarian cancer in June will be filled. Two Republican candidates and two DFL candidates will be on the ballot in the primary; the winners will face a member of the Independence Party in the October election.

You can find your polling place information and get access to a sample ballot by clicking here. Please feel free to contact Sara Grafstrom at ARRM at (651) 296-1086, ext. 8 with your questions.

--Sara Grafstrom, Field Coordinator

Minnesota Senate and House State Fair booth schedules released.

The Minnesota State Fair begins on Thursday and is one more great opportunity to meet and talk with your elected officials.

House and Senate information have released the schedule of legislators that will be in each booth, and ARRM would like to encourage you, if you are attending the State Fair, to drop by and meet your legisaltors.

Senate Booth:

• Thursday, August 25th: 10:00 AM-noon: Sen. Michael Jungbauer (48)
• Friday, August 26th: 10:00 AM-2:00 PM: Sen. David Hann (42)
• Saturday, August 27th: 11:00 AM-1:00 PM: Sen. Benjamin Kruse (47), 2:00 PM-4:00 PM: Sen. Carla Nelson (30), 3:00 PM-5:00 PM: Sen. Ted Daley (38)
• Sunday, August 28th: 4:00 PM-6:00 PM: Sen. Tom Saxhaug (03)
• Monday, August 29th: 10:45 AM- 12:45 PM: Sen. John Marty (54)
• Tuesday, August 30th: 10:30 AM-12:30 PM: Sen. David Tomassoni (05), 2:30 PM-4:30 PM: Sen. Tony Lourey (08), 5:00 PM-7:00 PM: Sen. Tom Bakk (06)
• Wednesday, August 31st: 3:00 PM-5:00 PM: Sen. Mike Parry (26)
• Thursday, September 1st: 10:00 AM-noon: Sen. Michael Jungbauer (48), 2:00 PM-4:00 PM: Sen. Claire Robling (35)
• Saturday, September 3rd: 1:00 PM-3:00 PM: Sen. Dan Hall (40)
• Sunday, September 4th: 3:00 PM-5:00 PM: Sen. Chuch Wiger (55)

House Booth

• Thursday, August 25th: 10:00 AM-noon: Rep. Rick Hansen (39A), Rep. Joe Atkins (39B), 2:00 PM-4:00 PM: Rep. Ernie Leidiger (34A), Rep. Peggy Scott (49A), 4:00 PM-6:00 PM: Rep. Kathy Lohmer (56A)
• Friday, August 26th: 10:00 AM-noon: Rep. Rick Hansen (39A), Rep. Lyndon Carlson (45B), noon-2:00 PM: Rep. Linda Runbeck (53A), 2:00 PM-4:00 PM: Rep. Diane Loeffler (59A), 4:00 PM-6:00 PM: Rep. Rena Moran (65A), Rep. Connie Doepke (33B)
• Saturday, August 27th: 10:00 AM-noon: Rep. Marion Greene (60A), Rep. Kate Knuth (50B), Rep. King Banion (15B), noon-2:00 PM: Rep. Rena Moran (65A), Rep. Bob Barrett (17B), 4:00 PM-6:00 PM: Rep. Duane Quam (29A)
• Sunday, August 28th: 2:00 PM-4:00 PM: Rep. Joe Mullery (58A), Rep. Duane Quam (29A)
• Monday, August 29th: 10:00 AM-noon: Rep Roger Crawford (08B), Rep. Kelby Woodard (25B)
• Wednesday, August 31st: 10:00 AM-noon: Rep. Mindy Greiling (54A), noon-2:00 PM: Rep. Pat Mazorol (41B), Rep. Kurt Zellers (32B), 2:00 PM-4:00 PM: Rep. Bev Scalze (54B), 4:00 PM-6:00 PM: Rep. Tim Kelly (28A)
• Thursday, September 1st: 10:00 AM-noon: Rep. Leon Lillie (55A), Rep. Paul Torkelson (21B), noon-2:00 PM: Rep. Denny McNamara (57B), Rep. Matt Dean (52B), 2:00 PM-4:00 PM: Rep. Mike Beard (35A)
• Friday, September 2nd: noon-2:00 PM: Rep. Pat Garofalo (36B), 2:00 PM-4:00 PM: Rep. Sondra Erickson (16A), Rep. Bruce Anderson (19A)
• Saturday, September 3rd: noon-2:00 PM: Rep. Paul Anderson (13A), Rep. King Banion (15B), 2:00 PM-4:00 PM: Rep. Phyllis Kahn (59B), Rep. Andrea Kieffer (56B)

To find out who represents you click here, and as always, please contact Sara Grafstrom at 651-291-1086 X8 with any questions.

Thank you for all your hard grassroots work this summer!

--Sara Grafstrom, Field Coordinator

Some losses, many wins this session

During the 2011 Legislative Session, ARRM’s disability advocates were a constant force to be reckoned with at the State Capitol and in legislators’ home districts. You turned up by the hundreds for ARRM’s Day at the Capitol, flooded legislators’ mailboxes with personal letters, attended the MN-CCD’s Tuesday at the Capitol in record numbers, and conducted numerous site visits throughout the state.

Despite this frenetic activity, we experienced some grassroots losses this session. When the dust settled after the special session, disability advocates were hoping to fare better and are rightly disappointed with many of the provisions in the final health and human services bill – whether they are intentional rate cuts or last-minute mistakes. (Rest assured, ARRM is diligently working to undo any provisions related to de-licensing group homes.)

Even so, it’s important to point out that we made tremendous progress toward achieving our grassroots objectives. Increasing our “people power” is ARRM's number one grassroots goal, and your far-reaching advocacy work is a testament to our collective power. We believe that cuts to disability providers would have been much worse had there been no or little grassroots activity, and we're truly proud our grassroots wins this session, which are nothing short of amazing:

• Barb and Sara visited 18 member agencies to provide free grassroots advocacy training, and have more visits planned in the fall.

• In total, ARRM members met with 166 of the 201 state legislators, and 53 of the 61 new freshman legislators. Thanks to your efforts, most state legislators now have a disability contact in their district and a clear picture who their vote affects.

• Over 1,000 people registered for ARRM’s 2011 Day at the Capitol February 8th, making it the biggest turnout in ARRM history! We met with 152 legislators and had a motivating rally featuring the Organic Cowboys, Health and Human Services Commissioner Lucinda Jesson, and House Finance Chair Jim Abeler, to name a few. An image of deeply engaged self-advocates, family members, and staff is forever burned into the memories of the policy-makers who attended our rally.

• Besides filling the halls of the Capitol for ARRM’s Day at the Capitol, members met with legislators nearly 50 other times at the capitol during session. During these meeting, you shared your ideas and stories with legislators in a more personal, intimate setting.

• Members also reached out to legislators via 20 town hall meetings and personal letters. We launched the Pen Your Priorities campaign in March, and self-advocates, staff and family members sent hundreds of letters to lawmakers, illustrating what potential cuts would mean for Minnesota's most vulnerable citizens.

• You used ARRM’s social media tools to stay up-to-date: We have over 600 Facebook fans, over 350 Twitter followers and 400 + blog subscribers.

• And finally, members held over 60 site visits this session. ARRM has long said that site visits are the most effective way to show your legislator the work you do. We heard encouraging stories of legislators scheduled to visit for a half hour, but staying nearly two hours. These visits make the greatest impact, so keep inviting legislators out to your homes!

The grassroots education and engagement phase is happening now, when legislators are in their home districts, so we encourage you to invite all lawmakers to your summer events.

Also, please remember to keep checking ARRM’s grassroots calendar for events that are taking place in your community. And save the date for ARRM’s 2012 Day at the Capitol, which kicks off with a rally in the Capitol Rotunda on March 1^st, 2012, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

--Sara Grafstrom, Field Coordinator, and Barb Brynstad, Communications Director