$500 per year limits on dental benefits for recipients
of Medical Assistance.
Larson then urged legislators to protect these vital support services for
those with disabilities during upcoming 2005 budget discussions.
Rep. Diane Loeffler (D-Minneapolis), Rep. Leon Lillie (D-St. Paul),
Rep. David Dill (D-Crane Lake), Rep. Fran Bradley (R-Rochester,
Chair of House Health Policy and Finance), and a staff representative
for Rep. Ruth Johnson (D-St. Peter) were in attendance at the afternoon
press conference to show their support.
"The past two years have resulted in significant legislative changes to
the eligibility and service delivery for many health and human service programs
that people with disabilities across Minnesota use. As our state continues to
face a budget deficit, people with disabilities, family members, and advocacy
organizations across Minnesota know that if they do not work together to get
their voices heard now, that essential services and supports for persons with
disabilities may disappear," said Shannon Robins, public policy
director for the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota.
The day brought together this diverse audience for training on how to advocate
with legislators; health and human services 2006/2007 budget and legislation
issues ; and other disability-specific topics including waivers, employment,
self-advocacy, special education, parental fees and consumer directed community
supports.
Organizers were optimistic about outcomes from the event. "It is critical
that lawmakers learn about the struggles facing our state's most vulnerable
population. People with disabilities and their families have already been asked
to share more of the pain of balancing the budget than any other group in Minnesota.
By preserving the services and supports that keep families together and keep
people with disabilities in the community, we are saving the state money in
the long-run and ensuring that people with disabilities have the freedom and
dignity that every human deserves," said Robins.
For more information, please feel free to contact any of the sponsoring organizations.
Advocating Change Together (ACT) - 651-641-0297-
www.selfadvocacy.com
ARC – MN- 651-523-0823, 1-800-582-5256 -
www.arcminnesota.com
Brain Injury Assoc. of MN - 612-378-2742, 1-800-669-6442 -
www.braininjurymn.org
PACER Center - 952-838-9000 V/TTY-
www.pacer.org
United Cerebral Palsy of MN - 651-646-7588, 1-800-328-4827, ext.1437
-
www.ucp.org
