The Minnesota Council on Disability thanks the state legislators who joined our 2025 Legislative Forum on March 14. Their presence helped create an inclusive space where Minnesotans with disabilities connected directly with policymakers and shared their lived experiences.
This year’s forum marked our return to an in-person format for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a powerful reminder of how meaningful in-person dialogue can be—especially when shaping public policy that protects and promotes disability rights. The event remained nonpartisan and open to all, reflecting MCD’s commitment to collaboration across the political spectrum.
We appreciate the members of the Minnesota House of Representatives who participated in panel discussions during the event:
- Representative Brion Curran
- Representative Steve Elkins
- Representative Peter Fischer
- Representative Kim Hicks
- Representative Danny Nadeau
We also thank Representative Robert Bierman and Representative Katie Jones for attending and showing their support.
We were honored to host two state senators as well. Senator Scott Dibble joined a key panel discussion focused on accessible on-demand transportation, sharing insights into policy efforts that address this critical need. Senator John Hoffman shared a prerecorded tribute honoring Damon Lievestad, a cherished community member and disability advocate who passed away last year.
Your participation sent a clear message: the voices of people with disabilities matter—and their experiences should help shape the decisions that affect their lives. Open conversations with the disability community are essential to building a more accessible and equitable Minnesota.
Whether you joined as a panelist, listened to stories, or simply showed your support, we appreciate the time you took to be with us. We couldn’t do this work without strong partnerships and ongoing dialogue with lawmakers. Together, we can continue advancing the rights, access, and opportunities that all Minnesotans deserve.