The Access Press Candidate Survey
Becky
Lourey
(DFL)
I have devoted my life to helping those with disabilities, both
personally and professionally. Currently, I serve as chair of the
Minnesota Senate Health and Family Security Committee where so many
of the policy decisions affecting disabled persons are reviewed.
My life experiences have been extremely valuable in providing me
with the passion and understanding necessary for wise policy-making.
My husband and I adopted eight children with special needs. Our
family has supported each other through challenges and accomplishments,
and I am proud of everything our children have achieved. My commitment
to improving the lives of those with disabilities has been a driving
motivation not only in my personal life, but extending to my professional
life.
In the 16 years since
our country created the Americans with Disabilities Act, it has
been a continuous struggle on many fronts to make a reality of
its promise. With a strong advocate in the governor’s office,
we can reach out to fulfill the ADA’s promise.
My public record speaks to that promise. As Senator, I have authored
and passed numerous bills to improve the lives of persons with disabilities.
I have authored legislation to:
• allow working people with disabilities to keep their medical
assistance (MAEPD)
• delay rapid expansion of managed care for persons with disabilities,
especially for home and community wavered services
• keep managed care voluntary for persons with disabilities who
use MA
• improve and expand transportation options
• increase salaries to keep well-trained staff in long-term care
facilities
• de-stigmatize mental illness and prevent suicide
• fill the gaps between federal and state programs
• expand services to the deaf and blind
• increase access to Day Training and Habilitation opportunities,
and
• expand the definition of autism so more families can tap into
available resources for their children
Throughout my career,
I have always advocated for the notion that policymakers, program
staff and the communities served should avoid “silo” thinking.
We need to look for creative, inclusive solutions. As an example,
in 2005, I carried a bill sponsored by a broad coalition of groups
to improve the relationship between those utilizing state programs
and counties. The bill underwent many changes as it progressed, but
I made sure to schedule enough meetings where we could all work together
to make the legislation better. When the bill passed, it wasn’t
what everyone wanted, but I am proud to say that not only did we
pass meaningful legislation, but we fostered the capacity to work
together in the future.
As governor, that high level of widespread involvement is also how
I will do my best to address the needs of the disability community.
Just as importantly, I will pursue a comprehensive policy agenda
that treats all Minnesotans with fairness and respect, including
a fairer tax policy, broader educational opportunities, and greater
investment in our transportation with an emphasis on alternatives
that expand mobility. Too often candidates wrongly assume that the
disability community is interested only in the narrowest of issues
addressing disabilities rather than the broad array of challenges
facing our entire society.
Finally, I want to express my appreciation to the Access Press not
only for offering this particular forum for the candidates, but also
for the tremendous ongoing service provided to the readers of this
publication and Web site. As governor, I will keep the channels of
communication open to the disability community and look forward to
working with Access Press to achieve that goal.
Electing a Lourey administration
in 2006 will make a difference in the lives of those who so often
are not heard in the halls of the State Capitol. With your help,
I am ready to lead Minnesota. Please remember to vote in the Tuesday,
Sept. 12 primary election. For more information about me, please
come to my Web site at www.BeckyLourey.org.
Click
here to return to the candidate list.
