Surplus highlights need to address disability support cuts immediately
SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Today, ARRM, an association representing more than 200 direct care organizations and supporting service providers for people with disabilities in Minnesota, issued a statement from its CEO, Sue Schettle, in response to the announced $1.55 billion projected state budget surplus forecast released by the Minnesota Office of Management and Budget:
“The state budget surplus in the announced forecast today highlights the opportunity state legislators have to complete the unfinished business of the 2018 Legislative Session and immediately pass legislation to end the 7 percent cuts to home and community-based service rates for Minnesotans with disabilities and restore stable funding support for people to access these critical services.
“A large group of Representatives and Senators from both parties worked together to pass legislation addressing the cuts stemming from regulatory actions, but it ultimately fell victim to the Governor’s veto of the omnibus supplemental bill earlier this year. In the last weeks, Gov.-elect Walz and Speaker of the House-designate Melissa Hortman have publicly stated the need to take action on this issue.
“The cuts were unexpectedly hefted on the rates providers rely on to fund services and pay direct support professional wages, creating significant chaos and driving many providers to cut back or discontinue certain services, close programs, and for some, to the brink of closing down entirely. ARRM looks forward to supporting the work of the Best Life Alliance to ensure Minnesota starts to head back in the right direction in supporting people with disabilities achieve their goals and live their best lives.”
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About ARRM (The Association of Residential Resources of Minnesota)
ARRM is a nonprofit association of more than 200 Minnesota providers, businesses and advocates dedicated to leading the advancement of community-based services that support people living with disabilities in their pursuit of meaningful lives. ARRM members support people with developmental, intellectual and physical disabilities including autism, brain injury and mental health needs. People served live in their own homes, adult foster care settings, and other community settings. Founded in 1970, ARRM continues to lead positive industry reforms that support Minnesotans with disabilities. To learn more, visit arrm.org, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
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