The legislative session has adjourned for 2003. There are not many positive results to report to the disability community. Once again, Anne Henry has given us a summary of some of the major changes that will affect the community. We will be doing more analysis of the effects of this legislation in coming months. Many of the changes will not go into effect for a while, but be prepared to see some changes soon concerning co-payments on prescription drugs and durable goods.
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I personally wish to thank everyone who has contributed to Access Press’ legislative news reporting; it has been a challenge to keep abreast of all the rhetoric involved at the Capitol. Also, all of you who spent many hours telling legislators and the governor your stories about the impact of the budget cuts on you or your families are amazing. I applaud each of you!
This is not the time to let up the on the governor or your legislators—keep telling them how the new laws are affecting you and your family. AP would also like to run some articles about the ongoing effects of the budget cut on our community, so keep your letters coming in on these budget issues.
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Is Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute still committed to the disability community? Read about the situation on page 6.
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Last month we reported on Arc Minnesota’s rebasing lawsuit. Since then, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has asked the court to dismiss the case. Bud Rosenfield of the Minnesota Disability Law Center is preparing a response to this action by DHS. The ARRM and Arc cases are being heard by Judge Tunheim.
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I must thank Pete and Ellen for their hard work on their columns. These two have very busy lives but are always cheerful and ready to lift our spirits here at the AP office in conversation and with their writing. I can only hope that each of you read and enjoy their columns as we do. Thanks again you two!
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Derek VanderVeen has set a summer goal for himself of learning to rollerblade. With his sense of humor, he takes us through the steps involved in preparing to achieve his objective. Go Derek!
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One of my former professors, Carolyn Whitson, took a terrible fall and she shares her experiences as a person with a disability on page 6. She will look at life differently from now on!
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Mel Duncan, a longtime friend of AP, writes an analysis on war and disability. Mel brings to light some consequences that I had not thought about—for example, what will be the results of an increased disabled population in a system already underfunded?
