Let state officials and lawmakers know that payments to providers are core government services
Earlier this week, ARRM blogged about two critical developments that could significantly impact ARRM members in the event of a government shutdown. The first occurred on Monday, when Attorney General Lori Swanson filed a petition to keep some government services running after July 1st if the state does not have a balanced budget. Although her petition does not specify what those services are, it makes a case that any federally funded programs (such as Medicaid programs) should continue.
On Wednesday, Gov. Dayton submitted his own documents, outlining the services he considers “essential.” The list of services includes: Medicaid MFIP/DWP, General Assistance, & Minnesota Supplemental Aid and refugee cash assistance, Group Residential Housing, MinnesotaCare, Food Support, MN Food Assistance Program, Adoption Assistance and a minimal level of staff and operating expenses that are necessary to continue these operations. However, the governor’s list says that while entitlement programs will continue, related provider payments will not.
ARRM is doing everything possible to make sure our members will continue to be paid for services after June 30th. Over the weekend, ARRM will be preparing compelling legal arguments for the court as it considers what services – and payments – are essential. However, to make an even greater impact, we are asking all ARRM members, staff, family members and self advocates to call or email lawmakers by June 30th with this message and request:
This week, Gov. Dayton released a list of services he believes are essential to maintaining the security, benefit and protection of the people of Minnesota. While he includes services that will keep people with disabilities safe, he omits payments to disability providers for those services. If the state government shuts down effective July 1st, payments to providers for services for people with disabilities must be maintained by the state.
Who to contact:
• Governor Mark Dayton: Phone his office at 651-201-3400 or 800-657-3717 or complete this email form
• Lucinda Jesson, DHS Commissioner: Lucinda.Jesson@state.mn.us or 651-431-2907
• Loren Colman, DHS Assistant Commissioner: Loren.Colman@state.mn.us or 651-431-2560
• Alex Bartolic, Director of Disability Services Division: Alex.E.Bartolic@state.mn.us or 651-431-2381
• Ann Barry, DHS Deputy Commissioner: Anne.Barry@state.mn.us or 651-431-3212
• Jim Showalter, Minnesota Management and Budget Commissioner: James.Schowalter@state.mn.us
• Your state legislators: Find out who represents you by going here.
Also, keep setting up site visits with your legislators to demonstrate why you – providers of disability services – are so valuable. Make it clear that preserving core services for people with disabilities means paying providers for those services – there should be no distinction between the two.
As always, contact ARRM with your questions, feedback, and advocacy reports.
--Barb Brynstad and Bruce Nelson
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