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It has been said that the true strength of a civilization is measured by how it cares for those most in need of support. If that’s the case, we’re in trouble. The governor’s budget proposals threaten to cut vital services for people with disabilities, without so much as a conversation with the disability community. The idea that cuts to users will fix problems created by fraud and abuse by providers is misguided, especially when it’s the users of these systems who are most harmed by the very waste and inefficiency the state seeks to address.
Making decisions without offering a seat at the table to those most impacted is a recipe for disaster. The disability community is ready to collaborate on finding real savings — if we’re included in the conversation. How much is spent on court costs and appeals fighting with families trying to secure special education services or trying to get coverage for a piece of adaptive equipment? There’s no shortage of ineffective programs that isolate, segregate and exclude; let’s start there.
Gov. Tim Walz, we’re still waiting for the call. Let’s work together to find solutions that protect Minnesotans with disabilities, not cut the thin thread so many of our families are hanging on to.
Fatima Molas, Delia Samuel, Rufo Jiru and Maren Christenson Hofer
The writers are part of the Multicultural Autism Action Network.
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