NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE
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TWIN CITIES, MN PERMIT NO. 4766
July 1, 2020
WWW.ACCESSPRESS.ORG
Providers on verge of collapse
MNCCD
FILE PHOTO
Activists filled the capitol during the early stages of the 2020 regular legislative session. A second special session is on the way.
Key business isn't done with gridlock, disputes at capitol A July special session of the Minnesota Legislature is coming up, as state lawmakers failed to pass several key measures when they met June 12-20. The week-long special session adjourned without action on critical bills, including the bonding bill. Even years are bonding sessions in Minnesota, when an array of brick-and-mortar projects win approval.
Improvements to state academies, state hospitals and treatment facilities, and state parks accessibility improvements are among the many issues left hanging in June. Also left waiting are Minneapolis and St. Paul neighborhoods seeking assistance to rebuild in the wake of unrest that followed the killing of George Floyd.
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Disability advocates frustrated by lack of action Despite a national outcry for change in the wake of George Floyd’s death, efforts toward law enforcement reform continue to hit roadblocks at the state and federal levels. Minnesota’s special legislative session ended June 20 with no movement on law enforcement reform, including crucial measures sought by disability advocacy groups. While people of color make up a disproportionate number of those involved in law enforcement lethal force incidents, statistics on people with disabilities vary by study. A Ruderman Family Foundation study estimates that people with disabilities make up one-third to half of all people killed by law enforcement officers. Other studies also top the 50 percent mark, which parallels the percentage Minnesota disability advocates cited during the regular and special legislative sessions. All studies point out that disability cuts across all racial and ethnic backgrounds. Hopes of passing federal legislation before the July 4 Congressional recess were fading as Access Press went to press. At the federal level, the House passed a series of reform measures June 25. But those measures faced challenges in the Senate, where Democrats earlier blocked debate on a Republican police reform bill. Democratic Senate leaders said the bill didn’t go far enough to address issues of racial inequality. Among the many issues in play included chokeholds and no-knock search warrants.
PAT KINEEY
Providers of work and social activities for Minnesotans with disabilities are in crisis, with many facing massive cutbacks or even closure as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Clients with disabilities face the smaller, yet deeply personal losses of job and social skills as they sit at home. That was the message several service providers and parents of their clients had June 25 for a legislative committee. “Our entire disabilities services sector is on the verge of collapse,” said Sen. Jim Abeler (R-Anoka). He chairs the Senate’s Human Services Reform Finance and Policy Committee. During the regular and special sessions, Abeler has been among state lawmakers sounding the alarm about the prospect of losing needed day services statewide. Service providers and their advocacy groups are calling for $30 million in funding to simply keep the doors open until pandemic restrictions are eased. Providers closed in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That has meant laying off staff and not providing jobs and activities for people with disabilities. During the June special session, the Senate unanimously passed a funding package. But the House didn’t act. Pressure is also being brought to bear on Gov. Tim Walz to sign an emergency funding package. During the hearing, Abeler waved a copy of the relief bill, pleading with the governor to sign it. It’s a frustration service providers shared with the committee. The toll is also on staff, with more than 3,600 employees furloughed or laid off. The statewide organization MOHR is tracking staff losses. Service providers, including Floodwood Services and Training Inc. in the Duluth area and Big Lake-based Options Inc., told the committee that their revenues have fallen by 80 to 90 percent. Dawn Lamping, executive director of Floodwood Services and Training Inc., said the program could be forced to shut down within six weeks. It serves about 60 adults. She struggled to get through her testimony. “Unless our program receives emergency funding very soon, we will close.” Options Inc. has sustained monthly losses nearing $100,000. Executive Director Brenda Geldert described the situation as being “a constant state of distress.” Southern Minnesota service provider STEP Inc. serves about 100 people. But the nonprofit is already looking at ways to handle a shutdown. Statewide, the centers serve more than 30,000 adults with a wide range of disabilities. The pandemic has also raised red flags that people typically served by the centers are now isolated and losing ground with work and personal skills. In June the Minnesota Department of Human Services modified rules to allow service providers to reopen with measures to reduce client exposure. Some people with disabilities have also been able to keep working in community settings, such as restaurants and on cleaning crews. Other ways to provide services are sought, with some services that could be offered virtually. But the pandemic is a real threat, in day centers where people interact in close quarters and in group homes. Statistics presented June 25 indicate that than 300 Minnesotans who live in group homes have contracted COVID-19. At least 19 have died. Watch the committee session at http://mnsenate.granicus.com/player/ clip/5389?view_id=1
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Volume 31, Number 7
A display of headstones honoring people of color who died as a result of law enforcement lethal force was erected in June. The display is near where George Floyd was killed. Minnesota’s June special legislative session, which lasted for a week, ended with no movement on an array of law enforcement reform issues. The lack of action frustrated activists across the state, who were galvanized by issues of racial and social justice. The inaction is despite protests and pressure brought to bear since the death of Floyd on May 25 while in police custody. In a video seen around the world, an
office is shown with his knee on Floyd’s neck, causing fatal injuries. Four officers have been criminally charged. The June special session hit a stalemate June 19 when the House and Senate couldn’t bridge their divide over reshaping policing. The Democratic-controlled Minnesota House passed a massive bill with many reform measures, including several proposals made by the RepublicanREFORMS To page 11