Yesterday over 1,000 self-advocates, caregivers, family members, and other disability advocates from across Minnesota gathered in St. Paul for ARRM/MOHR Day at the Capitol.
Advocates rallied for a 5% rate increase to support consistent, quality services for people with disabilities at the St. Paul Armory in the morning. The rally featured performances by the Lifeworks Choir and speakers from the disability community. Mike Burke of MOHR kicked things off, and host Bruce Nelson of ARRM led the crowd in an enthusiastic chant of "5% thank you, 5% please".
Legslative speakers included new and long-time champions for people with disabilities: Rep. Laurie Halverson (51B), Rep. Jerry Newton (37A), Rep. Nels Pierson (26B), Rep. Matt Dean (38B), Sen. John Hoffman (36), Sen. Kent Eken (04), Sen. David Senjem (25) and Sen. Carla Nelson (26). "You're the ones putting a face on the issue, so keep telling you stories," urged chief 5% Senate bill author Kent Eken.
Parent advocate Pam Gonnella (pictured above ) spoke candidly about the overwhelming task of caring for her daughter after she suffered severe brain damage following an infection at just 5 years old. "We needed help" she shared. "Our family could not have survived without PCAs and caregivers. We need these critical rate increases to keep these essential caregivers, and to assure that more will want to work in this field in the future."
Caregiver and teacher David Gaardner spoke with Scott - his student and a strong self-advocate. Scott (shown speaking at the podium) explained that caregivers have helped him to live in his own apartment, take part in a daytime program where he develops life and work skills, and take a job skills training course with David.
Following the rally, advocates spent the afternoon meeting with over 160 legislators. They shared their personal stories with policymakers and asked them to support a 5% rate increase in 2015 and 2016 to ensure high quality services for people with disabilities and older adults.
Looking ahead, ARRM is eager to build off of the energy created during this Day at the Capitol and carry it into the final two months of the legislative session. We would like to thank everyone who made it to the State Capitol and encourage you to keep contacting your legislators to ensure that people with disabilities are a priority during the 2015 legislative session.
View our Facebook album for more photos from Day at the Capitol, and visit The 5% Campaign webpage for more information.
--Sara Grafstrom, Director of Advocacy and Community Relations
Comments