An Update from the Capitol

A lot has been happening on the legislative front – both federally and at the state level – these last few weeks that we wanted to keep you updated! Read below for the latest details from ARRM and ANCOR, and don’t forget to complete the two Action Alerts included!

AT THE MINNESOTA STATE CAPITOL

From ARRM, our local trade association

1.) Human Services Policy Omnibus Bill Passed

The Senate passed the Human Services Omnibus Policy bill off the Senate floor on Thursday. All ARRM’s provisions that were included in the bill when it left committee, remain intact as it was passed off the Senate floor with a 58-9 vote.

In the House, the bill is scheduled to be heard in the Ways and Means Committee today. Following the hearing, the bill will go to the House floor for a full vote before a Conference Committee is formed with the Senate to finalize an agreement.

2.) Governor’s Human Services Budget Recommendations Introduced

The Governor’s Human Services budget recommendations were formally introduced last week. HF 5289/ SF 5335 includes a proposal that would allow for direct care to be reimbursed during short-term, acute hospital visits. This has been a long-time priority for ARRM, and they have signed onto a letter of support. The bill will be heard in several committees this week.

ON THE FEDERAL LEVEL:

From ANCOR, our national trade association

Recently, the U.S. Senate passed the Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act (S. 1332), a bill that urges the U.S. Office of Management and Budget to create a standard occupational classification for Direct Support Professionals. This classification will enable comprehensive and accurate data collection, allowing policymakers to better address the direct support workforce crisis.

The next step will be to ensure the bill’s passage in the U.S. House of Representatives, where the bill has broad, bipartisan support. Use the link below to write to your members of Congress about this bill. 

Thank you for celebrating this the success with us!

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ACTION ALERTS:

We recently received two action alerts that we need your help on! Please reach out to your legislators on these very important issues for our community!

1.)  SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program provides critical support for millions of people with disabilities to help afford the basics of everyday life, like food and rent.

But SSI has many rules that make it hard for people to save money and get out of poverty. SSI has an asset limit that has not been updated since 1989! Assets include cash, money in bank accounts, most retirement accounts, and other financial resources. Right now, people who get SSI can only have $2,000 in assets. Married couples can only have $3,000. This means that the people we support cannot save money, and it’s forcing people with disabilities into poverty.

ACT TODAY: Urge your members of Congress to support people with disabilities by co-sponsoring the bipartisan SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act.

PLEASE TAKE ACTION HERE!

2.)  Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act

As previously mentioned, the U.S. Senate passed this bill recently. BUT we still need to pass it in the U.S. House. Please reach out to your members of Congress and tell them why federal recognition of DSPs is so important. 

PLEASE TAKE ACTION HERE!

Thank you for your advocacy!