Honorable Chair Xiong
Senate State and Local Government Committee
March 7th, 2025
Supporting SF 787 – Mann
Chair Xiong and Members of the Committee,
The Minnesota Council on Disability supports the proposal in SF 787, which would increase the ability of remote participation in State business meetings by simplifying the process and the rules around it. This is a good-government bill that empowers more people from more areas of Minnesota to participate in our government and its public bodies.
We have seen a tremendous growth in remote participation over the last several years and the Minnesota Council on Disability has benefited from this new way of doing business. Simplifying and reducing the requirements will still maintain integrity in our public bodies while reducing the unnecessary additional requirements currently in Minn. Stat 13D.
Broadening and simplifying remote participation:
- Makes meetings more accessible for people with disabilities
- Improves access to State Government for statewide Councils and public bodies like ours at MCD
- Allows for us to continue to benefit from modernizing our technology
- Supports transparency and community engagement
I urge you to support Senate File 787. This legislation represents a significant step towards a more accessible, inclusive, and efficient government that better serves all Minnesotans, regardless of their location or disability.
Thank you for your consideration of this important matter.
Sincerely,
David Dively, Executive Director