Dakota Communities | Advocate | Disability Advocacy Hennepin County

Get involved in grassroots advocacy to make sure Minnesota continues to be the kind of state that values people of all abilities. Urge your legislators to invest in Minnesotans with disabilities so that we can all be better off. Below you will find advocacy tools and resources to increase your impact and help improve the lives of people with disabilities.

Legislative Session 2013
The elections last November resulted in major changes in the Minnesota Legislature, including a shift from Republican to Democratic control of the state Senate and House. The 2013 Legislative Session began on January 8th.

What do these changes mean for Dakota Communities?
• 42 new legislators were elected into office, and we will be working to build relationships with them.
• The state is facing a forecasted 2014-2015 budget deficit of $1.1 billion.
• Possible Medicare/Medicaid cuts at a Federal level could reduce available resources in Minnesota and for Dakota Communities.

Dakota Communities 2013 Public Policy Platform
In February, Dakota Communities’ Board of Directors unanimously adopted a 2013 Public Policy Platform that highlights many of the local, state, and federal issues we are focusing on this year.

How can you help?
• Contact Governor Dayton and your Federal Legislators, and let them know why disability services matter to you and your family.
• Attend our upcoming events which include Family Member & Guardian Legislative Advocacy Meetings on February 13 & 21 and ARRM Day at the Capitol on March 3, 2013.
• Download a Doorknocker with questions to ask your legislators and links for more resources.
• Subscribe to receive our Public Policy email alerts.

Contact Your Legislators Find your legislators and how to contact them. Refer to this sample letter to a legislator. Read tips on Telling Your Story. View the Disability Matters presentation. Attend a Town Hall Meeting or Day at the Capitol View our event calendar, ARRM's grassroots calendar and the MN-CCD advocacy event calendar. Visit our news page for advocacy news and upcoming events.

Public Policy Partners Keep current with the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MN-CCD), the American Network for Community Resources (ANCOR) and the Association of Residential Resources of Minnesota (ARRM). Visit the Minnesota budget blog, Minnesota Budget Bites. View more advocacy links.

To learn more, view our "Minnesota's Fork in the Road" video below. Help us increase the impact by sharing it with your friends and family on Facebook and Twitter.

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