Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan have announced appointments to many Minnesota boards, commissions and committees, including groups that serve Minnesotans with disabilities.
New and returning members were announced for the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities. Jason Blomquist, Minneapolis, was reappointed as a consumer member. Connie Rabideaux, Cloquet, was reappointed as a parent member.
Mary Raasch, Maplewood, will represent adults with developmental disabilities. Raasch replaced Reid Scheller.
The Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities works to ensure that people with developmental disabilities and their families receive the necessary supports and services to achieve increased independence, productivity, self-determination, integration and inclusion in their community.
Several people were appointed to the Statewide Independent Living Council. Together with the centers for independent living, the Statewide Independent Living Council develops the state plan for independent living Jennifer Clement, Minneapolis, was appointed to the council to replace Lisa Harvey. Monique Doward, Kettle River, replaced Haley Kimmet. Crystal Hellekson, Grand Forks, replaced Julia Washenberger. Anne Paulson, St. Paul, replaced Gloria Lafriniere.
KiloMarie Granda, Morris, was appointed to replace Linda Lingen. Granda represents the State Rehabilitation Council. Jacob Schuller, was appointed as center director representative, and replaced Bonnie Danberry.
The Minnesota State Academies Board also has a new member. Sara Pratt, Dundas, is the new special education director member. Pratted replaced Nicole Halabi. The Board of the Minnesota State Academies governs the state academies for the Deaf and Blind.
The State Advisory Council on Mental Health has new and returning members. The council is charged with advising the governor and state agencies on policy, programs, and services affecting people with mental illness as well as educating the public about mental health.
Jessica Gourneau, Maplewood, is the American Indian Mental Health Advisory Council representative. This is a new council seat.
Jennifer Springer, Edina, was reappointed as a consumer member.
