Tim Benjamin, Editor

The 2004 legislative session will soon be in full swing and legislators and advocacy voice's will be echoing through the capitol. Many of the advocates are saying that it is going to be a rough session again this year. So, we all know what that means, be prepared to come and tell your story.  Just to get a little ahead of the game why not sit down and write a quick note to your senator and representative; reminding him or her who you are and what issues you will expect them to watch.  Beware!  And be aware!

On January 29^th, The Minnesota State Council on Disability will present its twelfth annual Legislative Roundtable.  The event will be anchored at The Department of Human Services Building at 444 Lafayette Road in St. Paul.  It will be broadcast by interactive television to locations in Duluth, St. Cloud, Bemidji, Moorhead, Rochester, Mankato, and Marshall.  It will take place from 1:00 to 3:30 PM. Some of the issues likely to be discussed at the Legislative Roundtable will be: Consumer Directed Community Supports, Parental fees, CADI & TBI cap on waiver slots, cap on Dental expenses, Nursing home relocation, Exempting seniors with disabilities on Medicare from managed care, Co-pays, GAMC, Metro Mobility funding, Voting Issues, MFIP caregiver exemption, Behavioral intervention, Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities Waiver, Ticket-To-Work Employment Networks, Minnesota Citizens Committee on Health Care Costs (Durenberger committee). For more information see the Minnesota Council on Disability advertisement on page 9

Kevin Kling has been generous enough to let us publish some of his material.  Kevin offers us a wonderful winter story this month. Thank you, Kevin, and your remarkable agent Mary McGeheran for the last six months of chuckles. We can only hope that you will give us an opportunity to publish more of your writings in the future.

Jeni Mundl this month writes with voice recognition software about voice recognition software.  Jeni has been using voice recognition for many years.  Jeni was one of my voice recognition teachers at Courage Center many years ago. She's a great teacher, a great asset to Courage Center, and a wonderful person; thank you Jeni for all your help and encouragement. My column is also written with voice recognition software.