Essential to restore institutional knowledge of services for people with disabilities in department leadership
SAINT PAUL, MINN. – ARRM, an association representing more than 200 direct support providers and associated service providers for people with disabilities in Minnesota, released this statement from CEO Sue Schettle regarding the recent resignations of top leaders at the Minnesota Department of Human Services:
“Today’s news regarding Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) Commissioner Tony Lourey’s resignation is unsettling and leaves serious questions for our field which works so closely with the department for technical assistance and as the primary regulatory body for Home and Community-Based Services supporting Minnesotans with disabilities.
“This, on top of news last week of the resignations of Deputy Commissioners Wilson and Johnson, raises concerns about a loss in the department’s leadership of formidable institutional knowledge around supportive services for people with disabilities. As several past examples have demonstrated, familiarity and experience with this large and complex sector of publicly funded services for vulnerable adults is a critical asset for successful oversight and policy development.
“As we learn more about the situation at DHS and the future of its leadership, we strongly urge Gov. Walz to ensure the new leadership team has strong credentials in the areas of Home and Community-Based Services for people with disabilities. They will be charged with developing and implementing significant initiatives to address major public policy priorities, from ensuring Minnesota meets its mandated goals under its Olmstead Plan, to addressing challenges in meeting the growing demand for services with a shrinking pool of workers.”
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