Advocates make a strong return for 2023 legislative rally days
March 2023
By Jane McClure
Minnesota's Disability Advocacy Week has seen a strong return for 2023 legislative rally days, drawing large crowds and emphasizing the need for action on disability-related requests. More than 100 people attended the first big in-person event on February 14, returning to pre-COVID times.
Advocates are making the case for legislation, including measures to better compensate direct support staff and address driving compensation for clients. Key legislative focuses include reforms for Medical Assistance for Employed People with Disabilities (MA-EPD), seeking increased income and asset standards to allow disabled individuals to live and work in the community.
Other issues include addressing the intersectionality of disability and obesity, championed by disability rights advocate Kayte Barton, and promoting accessibility with a focus on neurodiversity, led by the Autism Society of Minnesota. Ongoing activities include Wednesdays at the Capitol, where the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MNCCD) meets to discuss policy priorities and energize advocates.
Advocates make a strong return for 2023 legislative rally days | Access Press