The Minnesota Council on Disability would like to thank Attorney General Keith Ellison and Secretary of State Steve Simon for speaking at our 2025 Legislative Forum. Their presence and powerful messages elevated the conversation around disability rights, inclusion, and civic participation—key themes that resonated with attendees.
The Legislative Forum brings together legislators, state officials, advocates, and community members to discuss the policies and issues that impact Minnesotans with disabilities. It’s a space where people with disabilities can interact with elected officials—and where participation can drive change. We are deeply grateful to both Attorney General Ellison and Secretary Simon for contributing to this vital conversation.
Attorney General Keith Ellison energized the audience with a passionate commitment to inclusion and justice. He emphasized that the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office stands ready to collaborate with the disability community and champion efforts that advance equity. “We’re not allies of the disability community—we are intrinsically connected to the community, and that’s how we should operate all the time,” he said, reminding us that disability is a shared human experience.
Ellison highlighted initiatives within his office aimed at strengthening rights and protections for Minnesotans with disabilities. He spoke about expanding inclusion, responding to executive orders affecting civil rights, advocating in the courts, and addressing the challenges of a federal funding freeze. His remarks conveyed a clear message: the Attorney General’s Office is committed to listening, learning, and taking action.
Secretary of State Steve Simon echoed those values in his remarks, connecting democratic access with disability rights. He provided an overview of the Secretary of State’s responsibilities, including overseeing Minnesota’s election systems, certifying voting equipment, and conducting post-election reviews to ensure transparency and trust. He noted that Minnesota often leads the nation in voter turnout—a testament to the state’s commitment to civic engagement.
Simon also spoke about the office’s Disability Advisory Council, which brings together stakeholders from across Minnesota to provide insight into how the state’s voting systems are working for people with disabilities and where improvements are needed to ensure equitable access to the ballot box. Through this council and other efforts, the Secretary of State’s Office aims to ensure that every Minnesotan—including people with disabilities—can fully participate in the democratic process.
Together, Attorney General Ellison and Secretary Simon reinforced the importance of inclusion, civic participation, and equitable access to justice and democracy. Their leadership and support remind us that advancing disability rights requires both principled policy and intentional engagement.
We thank them for speaking at the 2025 Legislative Forum and for joining with the disability community at a time when advocacy, partnership, and shared purpose are more important than ever.