As the first week of the 2019 legislative session comes to a close, the Council reminds you that the agency serves as a technical resource for legislators, its staff, and its constituents on issues relating to disability policy. Policy inquiries can be referred to Public Policy Director, Kody Olson, who can be reached at kody.olson@state.mn.us.
The Council kicked off the first legislative session by participating in the first of many weekly “Tuesdays at the Capitol” with the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MNCCD) and its partner organizations. The event serves as a platform for advocates and community organizations to gather and organize grassroots efforts. Tuesdays at the Capitol is open to the public and legislators and staff are encouraged to attend.
The policy team from MCD had a successful week in holding and securing meetings with legislators from key committees in both the House and the Senate. The Council is working diligently to advance its 2019 Public Policy agenda. MCD has been working to meet with members of the Health and Human Services committees as well as Transportation committees.
On Thursday, Senator Karin Housely introduced SF 08, or the Eldercare and Vulnerable Adult Protection Act of 2019. The bill modifies many components of healthcare related to assisted living, including: the healthcare bill of rights, consumer protection for vulnerable adults, modifies the Vulnerable Adults Act, establishes tasks forces, and requires reports. The Minnesota Council on Disability was listed as a member of the Assisted Living Licensure and Dementia Care Task Force in the bill. The accessibility of assisted living facilities is one of the adopted items of MCD’s 2019 Public Policy agenda, and the Council will be working on this bill.
Mark your calendars: The 2019 Disability Day at the Capitol is on February 19th. The Minnesota Council on Disability is a sponsor of the event. Information on the event can be found on The Arc Minnesota’s website.
The Minnesota Council on Disability exists to serve people with disabilities in Minnesota through development of effective policy, training, technical resources and collaborations with public and private stakeholders. Any policy inquires can be directed to Public Policy Director Kody Olson at kody.olson@state.mn.us.