How a St. Paul family overcame zoning rules to keep their daughter safe
A St. Paul family can erect a taller fence than allowed, to accommodate a young daughter with disabilities. The family’s […]
Public Affairs
Drive-through restrictions curbed
People with disabilities who rely on St. Paul drive-through services have more time to weigh in. Action on a set […]
Housing needs are again a focus
The need for stable housing, and resources to provide some of that housing with supportive services, will be a key […]
St. Paul council eyeing a ban on new drive-through services
New fast-food restaurant and coffee shop drive-through services would be banned in St. Paul if a Planning Commission recommendation wins […]
Limits on drive-throughs are eyed
St. Paul could become the latest city to limit new drive-through sales and services if a proposal is adopted this […]
2023 session provided transformational changes
Minnesotans with disabilities had plenty to celebrate when the 2023 Minnesota Legislature gaveled to a close May 22. A wide […]
All eyes are on the May 22 session end date
May 22 is the final day of the 2023 Minnesota Legislature’s regular session. The push is on to reach agreement […]
Advocates make a strong return for 2023 legislative rally days
And we’re back! Minnesotans with disabilities and their allies have enjoyed a return to the halls of state government during the […]
New 16-bed mental health center eyed for West St. Paul location
by Kevin D. Hendricks – West St. Paul Reader After a hearing packed by almost 100 people December 13, the West […]
Preparations for 2023 session take place in face of uncertainty
The clock is ticking toward the start of the 2023 Minnesota Legislature. Disability advocacy organizations and their allies are putting […]
Subminimum wage reform is eyed
Moving disabled people out of subminimum wage work and into better-paying jobs is the goal of an $10.5 million initiative […]
New Fairview hospital wins final state approval
A new, $62 million St. Paul hospital that will serve people with mental illness is moving ahead, despite red flags […]
Gummies and chews are now available for medical cannabis patients
Patients registered in Minnesota’s Medical Cannabis Program will be eligible to buy gummies and chews from the state’s medical cannabis […]
Lawmakers ran out the clock, headed for a special session?
Minnesota’s 2022 legislative session wound down May 23 without action on many major bills, much to the consternation of disability […]
Many questions are remaining as lawmakers eyeing session’s end
Many questions, tempered with very cautious optimism, swirl around the state capitol as the 2022 Minnesota Legislature enters its final […]
Academies fare well in first round
2022 is not only a bonding year at the Minnesota Legislature, it also could become the largest bonding year in […]
Bill deadlines approaching, but questions remain
A month into the 2022 legislative session, Minnesotans with disabilities are continuing to track an array of bills. More about […]
Accessibility will be focus during upcoming session
by Jane McClure Accessibility on many levels and in many forms will again be a theme at the state capitol […]
Get ready for rally days
Although the buses won’t roll and the capitol rotunda won’t echo with chants and cheers, it’s still time to make […]
State lawmakers hurry to earmark $550,000
A requirement in state law that could divert $550,000 dollars away from programs for people with disabilities is being contested […]
Challenging times ahead at the state capitol as session starts
The January 5 start of the 2021 Minnesota Legislature has advocacy groups hurrying to get final bill and policy details […]
People with disabilities must have priority in vaccine process
First and foremost, I would like to give my sincere gratitude to Gov. Tim Walz for keeping all Minnesotans safe […]
Pandemic shaped a remarkable, trying year
January 2020 2020 began with notable retirements. Minnesota Department of Human Services Director for Disability Services Alex Bartolic stepped down. […]
Jim Ramstad is remembered as mental health champion
Jim Ramstad is remembered as a champion for people with chemical dependency, recovery and mental health issues, drawing on his […]
Advocacy groups prepare for 2021 legislative session
It’s beginning to look a lot like … the start of the 2021 session of the Minnesota Legislature. Lawmakers gavel […]
More hours, interim pay hike approved for state’s PCAs
Finally. Long-awaited help for the personal care attendant (PCA) program was a highlight of the Minnesota Legislature’s October special session. […]
Bonding package results are mixed for people with disabilities
Disability-focused brick-and-mortar projects around Minnesota finally got answers from the 2020 Minnesota Legislature. Gov. Tim Walz signed the bonding bill […]
Court oversight comes to end, but fight for better care has not
A lengthy legal battle, which has had many implications for Minnesotans with disabilities, officially comes to an end October 24. […]
Aid for some service providers is simply too little, too late
A $30 million relief package for Minnesota’s disability service providers will be a lifeline for many. But for others, it […]
Make comments on waiver amendments before August 24 deadline
The Minnesota Department of Human Services is seeking public comments on Summer 2020 federal waiver plan amendments before state officials […]
‘Savings’ would reduce choice, access to needed medical items
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is championing a pair of proposals […]
State officials weigh an array of plans for students, classes in fall
The uncertainty of what will happen with school-age children this fall is weighing heavily on families, teachers and school administrators. […]
Key business isn’t done with gridlock, disputes at capitol
A July special session of the Minnesota Legislature is coming up, as state lawmakers failed to pass several key measures when they met June 12-20.
The week-long special session adjourned without action on critical bills, including the bonding bill. Even years are bonding sessions in Minnesota, when an array of brick-and-mortar projects win approval. Improvements to state academies, state hospitals and treatment facilities…
Disability advocates frustrated by lack of action
Despite a national outcry for change in the wake of George Floyd’s death, efforts toward law enforcement reform continue to […]
Providers on verge of collapse
Providers of work and social activities for Minnesotans with disabilities are in crisis, with many facing massive cutbacks or even […]
Special session looms in June as state lawmakers’ work stalled
It’s on to extra innings for the 2020 Minnesota Legislature. The regular session sputtered to a halt May 18, with […]
Commitment to inclusion is Madore’s focus
Shelley Madore brings a longtime commitment to inclusion to her role as the new director of the Minnesota Olmstead Implementation […]
Olmstead subcabinet responds to pandemic
The latest addendum to Minnesota’s Olmstead Plan is undergoing further U.S. District Court review. After changes were submitted in March, […]
Pandemic complicates care worker shortage
Minnesota had a full-blown-direct support staff crisis before the COVID-19 pandemic. The loss of care staff since the pandemic began […]
COVID-19 pandemic brings emergency measures to state
The COVID-19 virus has created uncertain times for Minnesotans with disabilities, especially at the state capitol. The Minnesota Legislature adjourned […]
More beds, safe housing among issues
Needed updates to civil commitment law, increased access to mental health treatment and beds, safe and supportive housing and other […]
Fraud-related bill moves ahead
Minnesota lawmakers are looking to crack down on renters who purchase fraudulent documents for service or emotional support animals in […]
Disability Services Day drew a crowd
March 10 at the Capitol
Disability and human rights are first big rally’s focus
“Disability rights are human rights” was a key theme for the 2020 Disability Advocacy Day at the Capitol February 25. […]
State surplus, bill deadlines loom over session
A state surplus and upcoming committee deadlines are on tap at the capitol, as the Minnesota Legislature rolls into March. […]
Start of 2020 legislative session brings disability issues to forefront
As the 2020 session of the Minnesota Legislature starts February 11, many issues are in play for people with disabilities. […]
Bonding to be a battleground during session
Bonding will dominate discussion when the 2020 Minnesota Legislature convenes. Many projects related to disability accommodations and services are in […]
Rallies, advocacy days help get community’s message across
Going to the capitol and meeting with state lawmakers are key steps in getting a message across and communicating needs […]
