ARRM's Daily Dispatch

Re-Election in Minnesota

The 2020 Election results are in and there is a lot to report! 2020 has certainly proven to be an even more competitive year than 2016. ARRM has compiled the most recent Election news and we're here to break things down for you.

Congressional Results

This cycle, Minnesota had one Senate seat and all eight House seats up for reelection. On the Senate side, incumbent Tina Smith won over challenger Jason Lewis with 48.8% of the vote. Senator Smith will go on to serve another term, lasting 6 years.

As things stand in the Senate, the Republican Party has control over 48 seats and the Democrats have 46 seats. Four races have yet to be called.

In the House, incumbents Jim Hagedorn (CD1), Angie Craig (CD2), Dean Phillips (CD3), Betty McCollum (CD4), Ilhan Omar (CD5), Tom Emmer (CD6), and Pete Stauber (CD8) won reelection. In District 7, former State Senator Michelle Fischbach defeated longtime DFL Representative Collin Peterson.

As things stand in the House, the Democratic Party has control over 215 seats while the Republicans have 196 seats. Twenty-four races have yet to be called.

Minnesota State Results

On the state level, the final results are still up in the air. According to MinnPost, in the Senate, the DFL Party has won 32 seats and the Republican Party has won 31 seats. Four races are too close to call. As things stand, it looks as if four incumbents lost reelection. Districts 14, 27, 56, and 58 will have new representation. It is predicated that the Republican Party will maintain the majority.

Additionally, both Paul Gazelka (SD09) and Susan Kent (SD53) were reelected as Majority Leader and Minority Leader respectively.

The new incoming Senators are:

Jen McEwen (DFL) - District 7
Aric Putnam (DFL) - District 14
Gene Dornink (R) - District 27
Mary Kunesh-Podein (DFL) - District 41
Ann Johnson Stewart (DFL) - District 44
Julia Coleman (R) - District 47
Lindsey Port (DFL) - District 56
Zach Duckworth (R) - District 58
Omar Fateh (DFL) - District 62
Erin Murphy (DFL) - District 64

Again according to MinnPost, in the House, the DFL Party has won 65 seats and the Republican Party has won 59 seats. Ten races are still too close to call. As things stand, it looks as if five incumbents lost reelection. Districts 5A, 19A, 27B, 54A, and 55A will have new House representation. It is predicted that the Democratic Party will maintain the majority.

Additionally, both Ryan Winkler (46A) and Kurt Daudt (31A) were reelected as the Majority Leader and Minority Leader respectively. Melissa Hortman (36B) was also reelected as the Speaker of the House.

The new incoming Representatives are:

John Burkel (R) - District 1A
Heather Keeler (DFL) - District 4A
Matt Bliss (R) - District 5A
Spencer Igo (R) - District 5B
Jordan Rasmusson (R) - District 8A
Susan Akland (R) - District 19A
Luke Frederick (DFL) - District 19B
Brian Pfarr (R) - District 20A
Bjorn Olson (R) - District 23A
Liz Boldon (DFL) - District 25B
Patricia Mueller (R) - District 27B
Donald Raleigh (R) - District 38A
Sandra Feist (DFL) - District 41B
Cedrick Frazier (DFL) - District 45A
Liz Reyer (DFL) - District 51B
Keith Franke (R) - District 54A
Erik Mortensen (R) - District 55A
Jessica Hanson (DFL) - District 56A
Kaela Berg (DFL) - District 56B
Esther Agbaje (DFL) - District 59B
Emma Greenman (DFL) - District 63B
Athena Hollins (DFL) - District 66B
John Thompson (DFL) - District 67A

Impact on ARRM's 2021 Priorities

The upcoming 2021 Legislative Session will be challenging for many reasons. First, the state is entering the upcoming biennium with a large budget deficit to address. We will know the exact numbers of the projected deficit in early December with the release of the November budget forecast but initial estimates predict a hole anywhere between 4 and 6 billion dollars. In addition to the deficit, we will be operating in a mostly virtual manner, needing to educate and lobby legislators through Zoom meetings and emails as opposed to face-to-face meetings.

With all of this being said, ARRM has put together a robust legislative agenda that aims to address the needs of our membership while also looking towards the future of disability services in Minnesota. We anticipate releasing our full agenda in early December to members and will be looking to you all for your support through grassroots advocacy to get us across the finish line.

Following the 2020 Election, Minnesota remains the only state in the nation with a divided legislature. Historically, ARRM has been able to work with both sides of the aisle to advocate for providers and the individuals they support. We are eager to continue that tradition during the 2021 Legislative Session.

It's Time to Vote!

Hello there, Grassroots Organizer Madeleine Lerner here with all you need to know about voting in 2020! I have written a blog each month since May, detailing a different aspect of voting. This month marks the last voting blog as next month is the Election! To read last month's blog, click here. If you have further inquiries, please reach out to me via email or visit the Minnesota Secretary of State's website.

 

Graphic from MN Secretary of State

 

Election Details

• Election Day is Tuesday, November 3
• You can currently register to vote HERE
• You can currently register for an absentee ballot HERE
• You can vote early in person now; find your county election office information HERE
• You can vote on Election Day at your Polling Place

2021 Priorities

*No one can tell you who to vote for. You have the right to vote and cannot be swayed when going to the polls.*

For 2021, ARRM is focusing on 3 mains points: 

• Close the Wage Gap
• Workforce Crisis
• Access to Support

For more detailed information, please download the 2021 member doorknocker from our website. These are important issues to keep in mind while voting.

Upcoming Candidate Forums

Attend the remaining Candidate Forums hosted by ARRM and MOHR!

District 23 Forum
October 2nd at 10am, Register here

District 25 Forum
October 9th at 10am, Register here

District 44 Forum
October 16th at 10am, Register here

District 56 Forum
October 23 at 10am, Register here

 

Thank you to all who have attended and participated in these forums. Your voices need to be heard! Attend these forums and remember to vote by November 3!

Learning About The Candidates

Hello there, Grassroots Organizer Madeleine Lerner here with all you need to know about voting in 2020! Each month, from May until November, I will be writing about a different aspect of voting. To read last month's blog, click here. If you have further inquiries, please reach out to me via email or visit the Minnesota Secretary of State's website.

 

Graphic from MN Secretary of State

 

Learning About Candidates

*First and foremost, no one can tell you who to vote for. Selecting and voting for your candidate is a private matter. It is up to you alone to share the information if you so choose.

Before you vote, learn about the candidates running in your area.

• For Minnesota, all candidate filings are listed on the Secretary of State's website. Candidates running for State and Federal Offices, Judicial Offices, State Senate Offices, and State Representative Offices can be found here.
• You can learn more about candidates by visiting their website and reviewing the listed priorities.
• Do you have questions about who will be on your ballot? View your sample ballot by visiting the Secretary of State's website!

Meeting Candidates

Right now, with COVID-19, it's not easy to interact with candidates running for local offices. Candidate forums, town halls, and other public events are being held less frequently. However, if you do plan to attend an upcoming event, come prepared!

• Review a candidate's priorities and determine if they fall in line with your own.
• Bring a one-pager with your issues to distribute to the candidates.
• Draft questions related to your areas of concern and be prepared to ask the candidates your questions.

Upcoming Events

As mentioned previously, there aren't nearly as many candidate events being held as there have been in past years. That's why ARRM and MOHR are teaming up to bring you six candidate forums! Here are the details: 

District 14 Candidate Forum
September 18 at 10am; Click here to register

District 7 Candidate Forum
September 25 at 10am; Click here to register

District 23 Candidate Forum
October 2 at 10am, Click here to register

District 25 Candidate Forum
October 9 at 10am; Click here to register

District 44 Candidate Forum
October 16 at 10am; Click here to register

District 56 Candidate Forum
October 23 at 10am; Click here to register

 

These forums are a great opportunity to interact with candidates and ask your burning questions. We hope to see you virtually over the next few months!

Voter Registration and Assistance

Hello there, Grassroots Organizer Madeleine Lerner here with all you need to know about voting in 2020! Each month, from May until November, I will be writing about a different aspect of voting. To read last month's blog, click here. If you have further inquiries, please reach out to me via email or visit the Minnesota Secretary of State's website.

 

Registration graphic from City Limits

 

Registering to Vote

When can I register to vote?

• You can register to vote right now! You will need to register in order to participate in the Primary Election on August 11, 2020 AND the General Election on November 3, 2020.

How do I register online?

• To register online, visit this page on the Secretary of State's website.
• Online registration requires your Minnesota driver's license number or Minnesota identification card number. You can use the last four digits of your Social Security Number if you are not in possession of an ID card.

How do I register on paper?

• To register on paper, download the application here. Once you've filled out the application, you can send it to your county election office OR to the Secretary of State's Office.
• Registration forms are available in English, Spanish, Hmong, Somali, Vietnamese, Russian, Chinese, Lao, Oromo, Khmer, Amharic, and S'gaw Karen. You can also request a form in Braille.

How do I register on Election Day?

• When you go to your polling place, you must bring a valid ID: Minnesota driver's license or permit, Minnesota identification card, or Tribal ID.
• When you go to your polling place, you must bring an approved document: Bill or statement within the last 30 days, lease agreement, or student fee statement.
• Once you register you can go ahead and vote! For more information, click here.

Can I find my registration status?

• Check your registration status! On this site, fill out your full name, date of birth, and zip code to find out if you're already registered to vote in Minnesota.

I Live in a Residential Facility

What qualifies as a residential facility?

• Assisted living, group homes, treatment programs, residential facilities for individuals with disabilities, etc.

Can I still register if I live in a residential facility?

• Absolutely! You can register online or on paper. You can even register on Election Day and bring a staff member along to confirm your address.

Do I have other voting options?

• You can vote via absentee ballot. You can request an absentee ballot here or fill out this paper form.
• You can also participate in agent delivery. Someone in your life, over the age of 18, can pick up your absentee ballot and drop it off. You just need to fill out this form to request an agent!

I Live Under Guardianship

You still have the right to register and vote! You can be under guardianship and still vote. It is your right and the decision cannot be made for you.

If you have more questions about voting and guardianship, visit this website.

Assistance

You have the right to vote and you have the right to do so in private, but you can still receive assistance. This may include polling place accessibility and assistance from friends, family, or staff. Receiving assistance doesn't mean your vote will be influenced, but instead helps you to communicate who you want to vote for. Read more about the different types of voter assistance on this one-pager.

The Minnesota Disability Law Center has released new information about voting during COVID-19. Individuals with disabilities still have the same rights when it comes to voting in person. You still have the right to accessibility, voter privacy, voting assistance, and curbside voting.

Now, go register!

Voting: Importance and Knowing Your Rights

Hello there, Grassroots Organizer Madeleine Lerner here with all you need to know about voting in 2020! Each month from now until November, I will be writing about a different aspect of voting. If you have further inquiries please reach out to me via email or visit the Minnesota Secretary of State's website.

Election 101

What do I need to know about voting and elections?

Dates of Interest:

• Primary Election: August 11, 2020
• General Election: November 3, 2020

Who can vote?

• Citizens of the United States over the age of 18
• Those who have been Minnesota residents for 20+ days
• Those who have completed their felony sentence
• Those under guardianship

Where can I register?

• Online at the Secretary of State's website
• On Paper; download and print your application
• At you Polling Place; view this handout for more information

Registration/Voting During COVID-19

• View the statement on COVID-19 Voting Precautions
• Vote early by absentee ballot
• Election Day curbside voting
• If you have more questions, contact the Secretary of State's office

Why is Voting Important?

Being able to participate and vote in elections is a privilege. Citizens of the United States have this right and the state of Minnesota is working to ensure you have every opportunity to get to the polls. If eligible, taking part in this process is your civic duty.

At ARRM we always talk about making your voice heard. Voting gives you the opportunity to make your voice heard on a local and national level. Your vote makes a difference by:

• Electing officials into State and Federal offices
• Leading to the adaptation and implementation of new laws
• Leading to changes in infrastructure
• Impacting overall society

Vote graphic from Forbes Magazine

 

When One Vote Makes a Difference

EVERY vote matters! And in quite a few cases, very few or just one vote decided an election.

In 2018, NPR's Domenico Montanaro wrote the piece, "Why Every Vote Matters -- The Elections Decided By A Single Vote (Or A Little More)". Montanaro made note of over twenty elections that were decided by a slim margin from the 19th Century to 2018. In 1847, George G. Dunn of the Whig Party won the Indiana District 6 seat by one vote. In 2008, Al Franken won the U.S. Senate race for Minnesota by 312 votes.

This article truly details not only the importance of voting, but the impact one vote can have on an election. Your voice deserves to be heard and you can make that happen by voting in 2020!

Know Your Rights!

You have the right to vote but what other rights do you have?

• Register on Election Day
• Get time off work to vote
• Sign in orally
• Bring your children
• Ask for assistance
• Vote in private, without assistance
• Bring a sample ballot or the Voter's Bill of Rights

What are my rights concerning accessibility?

According to the U.S. Government, polling places must have:

• Wheelchair-accessible entrances and voting booths
• Voting equipment for the visually impaired
• Accessible voting machines

You can also:

• Participate in curbside voting
• Seek transportation to the polls
• Vote by mail or absentee ballot

Vote graphic from the Polling Place Photo Project

 

There are many more rights on the list! Minnesota is working hard to ensure that every eligible voter can come to the polls and feel comfortable while participating in the election. If you have more questions about accessibility and voter assistance, take a look at this one-pager.

Want to get more involved? Take a look at this New York Times article and learn more about voting, lobbying, donating, and running for office!

Provider Organizations Report Severe Hardships Due To COVID-19

Last Friday (May 1), ANCOR released results from a nationwide survey they conducted of provider organizations in April¹. The objective of the survey was to quantify the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic has affected community providers that support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. ARRM conducted a survey of its general membership in March that asked about similar issues. The results were quite consistent.

A large percentage of provider organizations reported that they have had to close or suspend at least some of their program services due to the COVID-19 pandemic, thereby forfeiting the related revenue. This was slightly more prevalent among ANCOR members, possibly because they represent a higher proportion of day service providers.

A majority of ANCOR member organizations also reported significant staffing-related expenses for things like increased overtime, on-boarding new employees, many with fewer qualifications, and adapting training to fit distancing requirements. ARRM members expressed concerns about added expenses due to increased staffing needs because of the closure of day services, increased program costs to keep clients engaged 24 hours a day, and higher overhead expenses.

Finally, many organizations are concerned about surviving the pandemic. On average, organizations reported having just over a month of cash on hand, which illustrates the need for some type of financial assistance for the industry.

	ANCOR Survey (National)	ARRM Survey (Minnesota)
Closed/suspended programs	68%	60%
Increased staffing costs	52%	N/A
Cash on hand (months)	1.2	1.4

ANCOR and ARRM are working hard individually and with partners to advocate for financial and regulatory relief so that providers will be able to provide the support needed by the thousands of people they serve through the current pandemic and beyond. For updates and action alerts, look for information on these channels:

• This blog
• ARRM’s social media pages on Facebook and Twitter
• ARRM’s Take Action page on the Advocacy section of our website
• ANCOR Amplifier

¹ The ANCOR survey report can be accessed at https://www.ancor.org/sites/default/files/impact_of_covid-19_on_organizations_serving_individuals_with_idd.pdf

--Ken Bence, Director of Research, Analysis and Policy

New Gov. Administration on Listening Tour

Governor-Elect Walz and Lt. Governor-Elect Flanagan will be spending the next five days on a statewide “One Minnesota Listening Tour”. The purpose of the tour is to hear from folks across the state about their priorities for the incoming administration as well as characteristics they hope to see in their commissioners and Administration.

ARRM is encouraging any member that is located in the tour stops to attend these events and speak up on behalf of the disability community. With this new administration come new opportunities to forge strong relationships and develop champions on our behalf. It’s important that we share the challenges that we are facing and our vision and opportunities that we see for services for people with disabilities moving forward.

Please contact Sara Grafstrom at [email protected] with any questions or request for additional resources or view the Governor-Elect’s website for more information. Tour dates and stops include:

Thursday, November 29^th

Governor-elect Walz

• 9:30am MANKATO*

South Central College - Heritage Hall, 1920 Lee Blvd, North Mankato, MN 56003

• 2:45pm LUVERNE

Rock Co. Courthouse - County Commissioners Chambers, 213 East Luverne Street, Luverne, MN 56156

• 7:30pm LA CRESCENT

La Crescent Sports Hub, 25 N Walnut St, La Crescent, MN 55947

 

Lieutenant Governor-elect Flanagan

• 9:30am MANKATO*

South Central College - Heritage Hall, 1920 Lee Blvd, North Mankato, MN 56003

• 12:30pm MARSHALL

Marshall Lyon County Library - Community Room, 201 C Street, Marshall, MN 56258

• 2:30pm GRANITE FALLS

Upper Sioux Community Center - Multi-Purpose Room, 5722 Travers Ln, Granite Falls, MN 56241

 

Friday, November 30^th

Governor-elect Walz

• 10:00am ROCHESTER

Olmstead County Gov't Center, 151 4th St SE Rochester, MN 55904

• 1:30pm MINNEAPOLIS*

University of Minnesota Urban Research and Outreach Engagement Center (UROC), 2001 Plymouth Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55411

• 6:00pm FERGUS FALLS

City Hall, Council Chambers, 112 W Washington Ave. Fergus Falls, MN 56537

 

Lieutenant Governor-elect Flanagan

• 10:00am ST. PAUL

Location to be announced

 

• 1:30pm MINNEAPOLIS*

University of Minnesota Urban Research and Outreach Engagement Center (UROC), 2001 Plymouth Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55411

 

Saturday, December 1^st

Governor-elect Walz

• 8:30am MOORHEAD

Fryn’ Pan, 2920 US-10 Moorhead, MN 56560

• 11:30am CROOKSTON

Cofe, 1504 University Ave., Crookston, MN 56716

• 2:00pm HALLOCK

Far North Spirits, 2045 220th Ave. Hallock, MN 56728

 

Lieutenant Governor-elect Flanagan

• 10:30am PRAIRIE ISLAND

5636 Sturgeon Lake Rd, Welch, MN 55089

• 1:30pm WINONA

Winona State University, Kryzsko Commons, Purple Rooms, W 9th St, Winona, MN 55987

 

Sunday, December 2^nd

Governor-elect Walz

• 11:00am RED LAKE

Red Lake Tribal College, 15480 Migizi Dr, Red Lake, MN 56671

• 1:30pm BEMIDJI

Mayflower Building, 102 1st Street W Bemidji, MN 56601

• 5:00pm HIBBING

Little Theater- Hibbing Memorial Building, 400 E 23rd St, Hibbing, MN 55746

 

Lieutenant Governor-elect Flanagan

• 12:30pm ST. CLOUD

Location to be announced

• 2:30pm FOLEY

Mighty Axe Hops, 8505 95th St NE, Foley, MN 56329

 

Monday, December 3^rd

Governor-elect Walz

• 8:00am SILVER BAY

Silver Bay Veterans Home, 56 Outer Dr, Silver Bay, MN 55614

• 11:00am GRAND PORTAGE

Grand Portage Community Center, 73 Upper Rd, Grand Portage, MN 55605

• 3:00pm DULUTH*

Mayor’s Reception Room, Duluth City Hall 411 W 1st St, Duluth, MN 55802

 

Lieutenant Governor-elect Flanagan

• 3:00pm DULUTH*

Mayor’s Reception Room, Duluth City Hall 411 W 1st St, Duluth, MN 55802

 

*Indicates a joint event with both the Governor-elect and Lieutenant Governor-elect participating.

2018 Election Results are In

The 2018 Election brought quite a bit of change to what the landscape will look like in St. Paul when the next legislative session begins on Tuesday, January 8. Below is a quick summary of the results of the key races across the state.

Governor’s Office

Democrat Tim Walz has been elected Governor, defeating Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Johnson. Governor Elect Walz is the former Congressman from District 01 in southern Minnesota, serving eight years in Congress. Former State House Representative Peggy Flanagan will serve as Lt. Governor.

Minnesota House of Representatives

The Democrats have taken control of the Minnesota House of Representatives, gaining 18 seats to establish their majority at 75 members compared to the now 59 members of the Republican House Caucus. The 2018 Election has brought in 39 new members, 34 of which are Democrats which total about 45% of the entire Democratic Caucus.

One race in District 05A was decided by only four votes. Currently, former Representative John Persell is in the lead but because of the small margin of victory this race will go to a mandatory recount.

Leadership elections to determine the new Speaker of the House and Majority Leader are set for Thursday, November 8.

Minnesota Senate

Members of the Senate were not up for re-election this year, with the exception of one special election in Senate District 13, which was vacated when Senator Michelle Fishbach resigned to assume the role of Lt. Governor. With the open seat, the Senate for a time was tied at 33-33. Jeff Howe (R), the current House Representative from House District 13A won the open seat and the Republican party will remain in the majority in the Senate.

Congressional Races

Statewide, Minnesota saw four of its eight congressional districts flip parties. Congressional District 01 which was formally represented by now Governor-Elect Walz switched to Republican control with Jim Hagedorn (R) claiming victory over Dan Feehan (DFL). Angie Craig (DFL) defeated incumbent Congressman Jason Lewis (R) in CD 2, Dean Phillips (DFL) defeated incumbent Congressman Eric Paulsen (R) in CD 3, and Pete Stauber (R) claimed Congressman Rick Nolan’s (DFL) seat by defeating Joe Radinovich (DFL) in CD 8.

Illhan Omar (DFL) was elected to replace Congressman Keith Ellison(DFL) in CD 5, becoming the first Muslim Woman to serve in Congress, and Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL, CD4), Congressman Tom Emmer (R, CD6) and Congressman Collin Peterson (DFL, CD7) were all re-elected to their seats.

Other State Wide Races

The Democrats swept all other statewide races, claiming victory for the following offices:

• United States Senate: Amy Klobuchar (DFL)
• United States Senate: Tina Smith (DFL)
• Secretary of State: Steve Simon (DFL)
• State Auditor: Julie Blaha (DFL)
• State Attorney General: Keith Ellison (DFL)

ARRM’s Next Steps

ARRM staff is already busy familiarizing ourselves with the new members and the new landscape of the Minnesota House of Representatives. Historically, ARRM has been able to work in a bi-partisan manor with legislators on both sides of the aisle. We are eager to continue this work with the new DFL majority in the House and the returning Republican majority in the Senate, as well as building a relationship with the newly elected Governor and his administration.

Additionally, ARRM is currently working with other coalition members of the Best Life Alliance to develop next steps for grassroots advocacy, for members to engage in prior to the start of the legislative session. With 39 new legislators, it is now more important than ever to be educating your legislators about who we are, what we do and why it is important to communities across Minnesota. Look for specific instructions in the coming days with messaging and next steps.

If you have specific questions about who won in your legislative race, you can view all election results on the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Webiste.

--Sara Grafstrom, Director of State and Federal Policy

ARRM MN Election Recap

Minnesota will continue to see a divided government in 2017, with the Republican Party retaining and taking the majority in the House and Senate, respectively, and Governor Dayton serving the remaining two years of his term.

State House of Representatives

In the State House, the GOP widened its majority by defeating four incumbent DFL legislators and winning key open seats. The balance now stands at 76 GOP members to 57 DFL members. In addition, there will be a special election held in February to fill Rep. Bob Barrett’s seat after a judge ruled that he did not meet the residency requirements to run in the district he previously represented.

Leadership in the House will remain under Speaker Kurt Daudt (31A). The previous Minority Leader, Rep. Paul Thissen (61B) choose not to run for his leadership role again and the DFL elected Rep. Melissa Hortman (36B) to serve as Minority Leader in 2017. Committee chairs and assignments have not yet been announced.

State Senate

In the State Senate the Republicans took over the majority by a slim margin. The Senate now stands at 34 Republican members to 33 DFL members. While two races are currently in a recount, , the margins are wide enough that the results are not anticipated to change.

The Senate will see 21 new members, 12 of those being Republican and 9 DFL members; 6 incumbent DFL members were defeated on Election Night and 1 incumbent Republican lost his seat. The Republicans elected Sen. Paul Gazelka (09) to serve as the new Majority Leader and Sen. Michelle Fischbach (13) to serve as President of the Senate. Sen. Tom Bakk (03) will remain in his leadership role of the DFL Senate and will serve as Senate Minority Leader. Like the House, Committee chairs and assignments have not yet been announced.

Opportunity to engage

While this change to the State Legislature causes uncertainty around the priorities and focus for state government in 2017, we can also view it as an opportunity. Historically, ARRM has been able to work in a bi-partisan manor, developing strong relationships with both Republican and DFL members. We are eager to continue to develop those relationships with returning members and to begin educating and cultivating new champions with newly-elected legislators.

Looking ahead, it is critical that we reach out to legislators prior to the start of the legislative session to begin educating them on our priorities for 2017 and how they can better support Minnesotan’s with disabilities and their staff. ARRM will be sending out a detailed Action Alert in the coming days with information on how you can reach out to your elected officials.

New Candidate Questionnaire Section now live on ARRM’s Website

In early July, ARRM sent out a candidate questionnaire to all 434 candidates running for the 201 open seats in the Minnesota House and Senate.

As the responses begin to come in from those candidates, we will be posting them in the new Candidate Questionnaire section of our website. We encourage you to visit this site often and find out if your candidates have sent back their questionnaire and learn where they stand on issues important to the disability community.

As you begin preparing for the 2016 election, we would also like to encourage you to visit the entire Voter Resources section of our website for useful information on being an informed and engaged voter in November!

--Sara Grafstrom, Director of Advocacy and Community Relations