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Surplus gives Legislature a chance to help people with disabilities [1]

['More From Author', 'January', 'Michael L. Sack']

Date: 2023-01-03

The legislative session begins this week, and the state has a $17.6 billon budget surplus. This is a great opportunity to help some of the most needy by improving services that will make their lives easier.

Yes, there will be a lot of groups asking for money, but those living with disabilities — and the disability services and accessibility enhancements they require — should be prioritized for a fair amount of funding.

For several years now — and especially after the pandemic started in 2020 — residents who have impairments and their advocates have been longing for the Legislature to approve more money for necessary services that impact so many people.

The biggest needs: Increase money for personal care assistants; daytime rehabilitation centers; Metro Mobility; staffing for group and nursing homes; accessible living; and additional recreational possibilities for children and adults with various disabilities.

I am sure there are a lot more categories that could and should be considered, and that lawmakers will hear from several disability groups now that the session has started.

Not to be overlooked is the $10 million request from Minneapolis to improve accessibility and add financial backing to the city’s American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan. This much-needed plan will be beneficial to the whole community, as it will go toward upgrading the remaining outdated curb cuts; adding accessible street crossing signals; making sure every public building is ADA-compliant, as well as other important fixes. For all residents with disabilities, I hope that this request gets approved so the city can continue making ADA improvements and become inclusive to all.

And what’s true in Minneapolis is true everywhere: The Legislature should help cities across the state make living easier for all people with disabilities.

There is much to do during this year’s legislative session, but the time has come to put together a comprehensive package that will assist and improve the lives of Minnesotans with disabilities and the organizations that advocate for them. We cannot — and should not have to — wait any longer!

A version of this commentary was previously published by the Star Tribune.

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[1] Url: https://minnesotareformer.com/2023/01/03/surplus-gives-legislature-a-chance-to-help-people-with-disabilities/

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