The 2020 Legislative Session begins on February 11th and ends on May 18th. Follow the progress of MCD legislative initiatives at the State Capitol through weekly updates from Public Policy Director Kody Olson.
On this page:
February 24, 2020
The efforts of MCD and coalition partners in the second week and upcoming weeks of session are focused on meeting committee deadlines. What does that mean? Essentially, individual bills (excluding bonding proposals) must be heard in a committee in either the House or the Senate to be considered in the end of the session. The first deadline for bills to be heard in either chamber is on March 20.
[Picture not included: Jesse Gomez, Senator Andrew Mathews, Kody Olson, Bill Amberg, Todd Kemery, Ted Stamp, and Jeff Bangsberg]
The Council’s Policy Priorities are humming along nicely. Of the Council’s 6 bills, 2 have already been heard in committee. On the Senate side, SF2715, a bill to include transportation as a reimbursable activity under the PCA program, was heard in the Human Services Reform Finance and Policy committee. MCD Councilmember and independent living advocate Ted Stamp came from Marshall, MN to testify in support of this bill. He shared his story about what it means to rely on someone else for your transportation needs, and how much his life would change if his PCA could drive him around his community.
On the House side, HF1152, a bill that will permit voters with disabilities to receive an accessible, electronic version of their absentee ballot, was heard in both the Elections subcommittee and the Government Operations committee. The bill was passed through committee and sent to the General Register. MCD will be encouraging the Senate committee on State Government Finance and Policy and Elections to hear this bill.
Upcoming: This Tuesday, February 25th from 9-12 is Disability Advocacy Day at the Capitol! This day is to discuss issues impacting individuals with disabilities, their families, and support professionals. It is also an opportunity for you to share your personal story with state Senators and Representatives. Disability Advocacy Day at the Capitol is a day to participate in legislative and grassroots advocacy through rally attendance, meeting with elected officials, and personal storytelling.
Action item: Call or email the leadership of the Senate State Government Finance and Policy and Elections Committee. Ask Senator Mary Kiffmeyer and Senator Mark Koran to give a hearing to SF562, a bill that will permit voters with disabilities to receive an accessible, electronic version of their absentee ballot.
February 14, 2020
The Minnesota Council on Disability kicked off the 2020 legislative session with bill hearings and meetings with legislators. The Council recently adopted its public policy agenda with its goals for the legislative session. The policy agenda focuses on equity, inclusion, and access for Minnesotans with disabilities. Read about MCD’s 2020 policy agenda.
One of the Council’s top priorities will be heard in the Senate Human Services Reform Finance and Policy committee on Monday, February 17 at 3pm. SF2715, authored by Senator Mathews, would modify the PCA program to permit PCAs to drive their clients as part of their service plan.
Another MCD priority had two bill hearings in the first week of session. HF1152, authored by Representative Freiberg, would allow voters with disabilities to receive their absentee ballots and related material in an accessible, electronic format. The bill was passed through the House Sub-Committee on Elections and will be heard in the House Government Operations Committee on Tuesday, February 18 at 9:45am.
Public Policy Director Kody Olson will frequently be at the Capitol monitoring these bills and other priorities as identified on MCD’s Public Policy Agenda. Check back on MCD’s website and social media pages for regular legislative updates each Monday with information on how to be involved and support disability issues at the Capitol. Additionally, check back on the Public Policy section of the MCD website, new content will be added very soon.
Thank you for your interest in the Council’s public policy work! To get involved or learn more, contact Kody Olson at kody.olson@state.mn.us.
Mark your calendars
Tuesdays at the Capitol – Brain Injury MN
Every Tuesday from February 11th – May
9:30 AM – 12:00 PM Department of Transportation Cafeteria
395 John Ireland Blvd, St Paul, MN 55155
2020 Disability Advocacy Day at the Capitol
Tuesday February 25
9:00 am – 12:00 pm Department of Transportation Cafeteria and Capitol Rotunda
395 John Ireland Blvd, St Paul, MN 55155