News

As the Legislature builds the state budget for the next two years, MCD will create an overview of certain omnibus bills and how the proposals will affect Minnesotans with disabilities. This omnibus bill makes policy changes and fiscal appropriations for FY 2020 and 2021 for the Minnesota Department of Transportation, transportation related programs of the Metropolitan Council and the Department of Public Safety.

As the Legislature rolls into packaging and hearing omnibus bills, the Council on Disability would like to share progress made in the legislative session thus far. Progress has been made on many issues, including: #MNParksForAll, Accessibility of Public Buildings, Accessibility of Assisted Living Facilities, PCA Driving Reimbursement, Voters with Disabilities, and more.

MCD provided testimony on 3 important issues this week. First, the Executive Director spoke regarding the Council’s activities and budget proposal. She also testified regarding the authorization of CAV in Minnesota and its impact for PWD. The Public Policy Director testified regarding an accessibility project on the Minnesota Capitol Complex.

Quinn Nystrom testified on Minnesota House File 485 and 284. These bills address the skyrocketing costs of insulin and the need for transparency in insulin drug prices.

This week at the Capitol was the first hearing of the Connected and Automated Vehicle bill establishing testing for CAV in Minnesota. Unfortunately, the bill was tabled while details are worked out. Elsewhere, Council members testified how shortages are negatively affecting their lives.

The Met Council needs your voice! The Metropolitan Council seeks to appoint six advisors to the Transportation Accessibility Advisory Committee (TAAC). We look forward to having a good group of candidates to fill this important role in the metro area.