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2016 Legislative Session is Less than a Month Away

With the start of the Minnesota legislative session less than a month away, it is important that we are making our case to legislators now

With the start of the Minnesota legislative session just 28 days away, it is important that we are strongly and repeatedly making our case to legislators now. Our ask is big - an estimated $90 million - so we need to lobby now if we want to make a 5% rate increase a reality.

"The ten-week legislative session will move quickly, with a limited number of hearings, so we need to work hard on our legislative priorities in February if we are to experience any success," says co-chair Steve Larson.

The state's revised budget forecast will be released on February 26th and we know it will include a large surplus. We need every single supporter telling their legislators why it's critical to use part of the surplus to address the statewide caregiver workforce crisis and support people with disabilities and older adults.

Do your legislators support 5% in 2016?

Your advocacy matters. Because supporters across the state are speaking up about the importance of services that support people with disabilities and older adults, we now have 24 representatives and seven senators committed as co-authors for 2016 bill.

Our goal is to have a majority of legislators signed on as co-authors by March 8th, so we still have a long way to go. The more co-authors we have, the stronger position we will be in going into the start of the legislative session.

What you can do:

  1. Check the bottom of the ARRM webpage  to see if your legislators are on the list of current co-authors.
  2. If not, contact your legislators:
  • Tell them why this issue matters to you, and ask them to make a 5% rate increase for Home and Community-Based Services their top 2016 priority.
  • View our quick tips on telling your story and our main messages.
  • Not sure who represents you? Use the district finder.

Sign our online petition

We're excited to share our new petition, and need your signature! If you support the Best Life Alliance, take a quick minute to sign your name. You also have the option to add a comment about why a 5% rate increase in 2016 is important to you. Comments may be used for future posts on social media and other materials, and in our communications with legislators.

Share the 2016 Infographic

Our new Best Life Alliance Infographic provides a snapshot of why a 5% rate increase must be a priority during the upcoming legislative session. Use this document to help when contacting your local legislators and describing who will benefit from a 5% rate increase, what Home & Community-Based Services are, and the need for a strong workforce.

Let's continue to show legislators the HUGE statewide support that is behind the Best Life Alliance!

Pam Gonnella, Co-Chair and parent-advocate
Steve Larson, Co-Chair and Senior Policy Director of the Arc Minnesota