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TWIN CITIES, MN PERMIT NO. 4766
Volume 31, Number 12
December 1, 2020
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Restrictions are added for COVID-19
COVID-19 To page 4
Jim Ramstad
FILE PHOTO
Minnesotans are going into what could be a very hard winter, with COVID-19 numbers soaring upward. The state’s death toll has passed 3,000. Hospitals are overwhelmed. For people with disabilities who are struggling to maintain care and protect their health, it will be a very isolating and stressful time. “We are at a breaking point,” said Gov. Tim Walz. His latest round of restrictions closes Minnesota bars, restaurants, fitness clubs and entertainment venues until midDecember. Social gatherings outside of immediate families are on hold, with state officials urging that only immediate families gather. Vulnerable Minnesotans should continue to stay at home and social distance to protect themselves from the virus. Walz said his actions will prevent more families from losing loved ones, and help reduce the pressure on hospitals statewide. What continues to affect many people with disabilities is the closing of pools, which provide needed therapy as well as recreation. Many pools have been closed since spring but others have just closed for a time. Amateur sports also went on pause for four weeks. Adapted soccer is one of many Minnesota prep sports that had its season cut short. The adapted hockey season’s start is delayed. As Access Press went to press, disability service providers were taking different approaches to the pandemic’s spread. Some already made many changes due to the pandemic, shutting down some services and programs and offering other services remotely. Others have dialed back to remote services only or further limited what is done inperson. Check with providers before making plans and stay in touch to be informed about changes. Retail stores and barber/beauty salons can stay open. But museums, bowling alleys and movie theaters are again closed. Restaurants can offer carryout. Walz and other state officials are hoping that by reducing exposure, Minnesotans can be better prepared when vaccines start to become available “I know that hospitalizations are going to continue to go up for the next few weeks and I know that the death numbers will continue to go up for the next few weeks,” Walz said. “But the bright spot of this is, the moves we take now will start to bend that at just the time when the potential for a vaccine is coming.” Another difficult issue is that of limiting social gatherings. At one point in November, state officials tried to limit the size of social gatherings and ordered bars and restaurants to close at 10 p.m. That was a focus on places larger virus outbreaks were traced to. But the accelerating pace of the pandemic spreads forced another change. Religious services can still go on with restrictions, but in some denominations, leadership has again ordered a halt to in-person worship. Schools are online, in-person or with
As a grateful recovering alcoholic for 24 years myself, I am living proof that treatment does work and that recovery is real.
Congressman Jim Ramstad
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 own life experiences to shape policy and help others. Ramstad, who served in the Minnesota Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, died November 5. He was 74 and had battled Parkinson’s disease. Ramstad served nine terms in the Congress before retiring in 2009, representing Minnesota’s Third District. A moderate Republican, Ramstad built coalitions with lawmakers from all parties at the state and federal levels. He had many allies in Minnesota’s disability community and often drew on them for support to get state and federal legislation passed. Dean Peterson, Ramstad’s longtime
chief of staff, paid tribute to his friend and former boss. “He leaves a legacy of love, service, dignity and respect, especially for the most vulnerable in our society,” Peterson said in a letter to supporters. Other elected officials also paid tribute. Gov. Tim Walz, who served in Congress with Ramstad, called him “a colleague, mentor and friend. ... Few members of Congress commanded the respect and admiration of their peers and constituents that Jim Ramstad did. ” Sen. Amy Klobuchar described Ramstad as “a friend and a hero.” “He was a faithful public servant who worked across party lines to improve the lives of all Americans," Klobuchar said. “He worked with Sen. Paul Wellstone on mental health parity
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RAMSTAD To page 3
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 into action January 5, for what promises to be a long and complex several months. Legislative agendas for 2021 were underway even as lawmakers went through several special sessions needed during the pandemic. Dozens of groups will be bringing forward action items. But with the COVID-19 pandemic, 2021 promises to be another difficult year. Much of the 2020 session was forced online, creating challenges for selfadvocates and lobbyists who are missing the days of one-on-one access to their legislators. It will be another tough year in terms of outreach, communication and networking. The Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MNCCD) is already making plans for its Tuesdays at the Capitol to be held online, rather than in person. Rallies are on hold or shifting to a virtual mode. Then there is the pandemic’s impact on the state’s finances. Minnesota’s budget
The 2019 Disability Services Day at the Capitol drew a large crowd. 2021 rallies are on hold. situation is being watched very closely as requests move forward, as the pandemic has devastated parts of the state’s economy. While some tax collections have been higher than projected in the spring, a large deficit is still projected. Minnesota Management and Budget Commissioner Myron Franz has indicated that the deficit for the next two-year budget could reach $4.7 billion. That could make any request for additional program or project funding
more difficult. But the pandemic cannot stop policy and program needs. MNCCD approved its priorities this fall, working in concert with several groups. Its highest-priority or top tier requests include work with the Autism Society of Minnesota on a package of accessibility proposals and working with Arc Minnesota and Minnesota Disability Law Center on a package to transform SESSION To page 3