Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Throughout my many years of advocacy work, including local, state and federal I have seen good bills come and go. I have also seen policy discussions lead to nothing getting done. This is the historic representation of what people with disabilities have and continue to receive year after year. I recall moving back home to Minnesota in 2000 and celebrating those who were on waiting lists for services were able to finally receive those much-needed services. It was not a movement by our elected officials that preempt this rather it was a court action that started that process. In the end, finally, people with disabilities were acknowledged and counted for.
I have witnessed over my years too many times people with disabilities were discounted and not proactively part of any policy discussion. Since becoming a Senator, I have been part of many bills that address some aspects of needs and wishes for those receiving services and too many times I have seen a system not address those needs. This year I can attest to you that for the first time in the 20 plus years of advocating for people with disabilities we have a bill in the Minnesota Senate that was inclusive of all members on the committee and inclusive of many services within our State.
The bill we passed last night in Human Services Reform is the collaborative work in a bi partisan manner including many organizations to finally put people with disabilities first. Like Chair Abeler said “is this bill perfect?” No, but it finally puts a stamp on independence and pushes the system to be flexible to the unique and individualized needs of people versus the system forcing people to mold into their bureaucratic world. After all we should be person centered and providing informed choices for people.
John
Health and Human Services Omnibus
The Health and Human Services Reform Omnibus is a product of bipartisan effort throughout the entire process. Here are some of the highlights from the bill:
- A PCA rate increase of roughly 20% over the Governor’s proposal. The bill also allows spouses and parents to provide PCA services, and provides an enhanced PCA rate for recipients that need 10+ hours of PCA care a day.
- $61 million for retainer payments for Home and Community Based Service providers.
- $10 million for school-linked mental health grants and $3 million in for school-linked SUD grants
- $520 million to help support child care providers; these federal funds are spread over several proposals including help reopen closed centers or provide grants to ensure a provider remains open. Other proposals that use federal child care funds include early learning scholarships and child care workforce development grants
$4.7 million in increases to current mental health grants.
- Invests the federal money where it is needed most
- Early Learning Scholarships
- Public health grants to providers to ensure the continued safety of workers and children according to CDC guidelines.
- Grants to help child care providers across the state either reopen or stay afloat
- Grants for child care revitalization projects
- CCAP Family Needs Evaluation Project
- Establishes an office of Ombudsperson for Child Care Providers
- Funds a grant program to providers to make their homes or centers disability-friendly.
- Child Care Workforce Development grants
- Studies ways to modernize our child care licensing
- CCAP reimbursement to 25%
Minnesota Inclusion Initiative Grants
Establishes the Minnesota Inclusion Initiative grant program to assist advocacy groups for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to develop and organize projects that increase community inclusion, educate the public of systemic barriers that prevent community inclusion, and advocate for increased access to services and supports.
Housing Support Absence and Rate Increase
This bill would allow housing support providers to continue receiving payments beyond the 18 consecutive days for people who are absent due to behavioral health treatment, or who have been admitted to a hospital. Finally, the proposal provides a $100/month rate increase for residents in housing settings which have increased habitability inspections.
Integrated Housing Pilot Program
Integrated Community Supports (ICS) services provide support and training in community living service categories to adults age 18 and older who reside in a living unit of a provider-controlled, integrated community supports setting (e.g., apartment in a multi-family housing building). This proposal funds a competitive grant program for providers. This is the vehicle bill but the underlying language is also included in the DE.
Home Health and Home Care Nursing Rates
The rate modification reflects the change in the federal CMS home health agency market basket. These adjustments go into effect July 1, 2021 or upon federal approval. The proposal also directs DHS to annually adjust payments for home care nursing services to reflect the change in the CMS home health agency market basket.
Intensive Mental Health Nonresidential Services
Intensive Rehabilitative Mental Health Services (IRMHS) is an intensive, comprehensive, and non-residential rehabilitative mental health service. This bill extends the age range of these services from 16 to 20 years old to 8 to 26 years old, requires treatment teams to be trained for the specific age group they serve, and clarifies that treatment teams must complete an individual treatment plan for each client.
Customized Living Improvement Grant Increase
Customized Living Quality Improvement Grants support provider-initiated projects that improve quality, encourage innovation and advance efficient, high quality service. Preference is given to providers who serve 75% elderly waiver participants.
Self-Advocacy Grants
A grant program to a statewide organization governed by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Grant money can be used to train and support a statewide network of peer-to-peer mentors for people with disabilities, provide outreach activities, provide an annual leadership program, and to pay for administrative and general operating costs associated with managing facilities and program delivery.
Self-Advocacy Grants
A grant program to a statewide organization governed by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Grant money can be used to train and support a statewide network of peer-to-peer mentors for people with disabilities, provide outreach activities, provide an annual leadership program, and to pay for administrative and general operating costs associated with managing facilities and program delivery.
Sober Homes Study
DHS is directed to work with sober home stakeholders, such as the Minnesota Association of Sober homes, NAMI Minnesota, Minnesota Recovery Connection, and similar programs in order to make recommendations to increase access to sober homes and potential regulation of sober homes.
Enhanced PCA Rate; PCA Compensation for Parent/Spouse
This PCA package would extend a parent or spouse’s ability to provide PCA services and receive reimbursement for those services until CFSS is implemented. It also provides a rate enhancement for PCA services.
DWRS Rates for Remote Services
The Disability Waiver Rate System (DWRS) determines individualized payment rates for certain Brain Injury (BI), Community Access for Disability Inclusion (CADI), Community Alternative Care (CAC) and Developmental Disabilities (DD) waiver services. The proposal allows DWRS rates for remote services.
Child Care Grants for Providers to Serve Children with Disabilities
This proposal establishes a competitive grant program to expand access to child care for children with disabilities. The grants are provided to counties or tribes and must be used to serve children with disabilities in inclusive child care settings alongside children without disabilities.
Thank You!
It is my greatest honor to represent you the citizens of Brooklyn Park, Champlin and Coon Rapids here at our great state capitol. In addition to representing you, I absolutely enjoy it when you come visit. You must schedule with our office to arrange an appointment before any arrival, and we also do Zoom meetings! So reach out and tell me what matters to you or schedule an appointment so I can continue working on your behalf. You can reach me by email at sen.john.hoffman@senate.mn or by phone at 651-296-4154. I am at 95 University Avenue Suite 2235 in the Minnesota Senate Building.
Sincerely,
Senator John Hoffman
If you have any questions or concerns feel free to call my office at 651-296-4154 or by e-mail at jhoffman@senate.mn
Senator Hoffman Authored Bills Moving Forward
SF863 — Every single Minnesota State Senator will attest to the hard work and dedication that interns bring to our office. Without a new team of interns every year, it is suspected that the entire system might collapse under its own weight. This is why I chief authored a bill, SF863, passed. SF863 Directs Minnesota State Colleges and Universities to expand Credit for Prior learning and make it more accessible so that work experiences such as internships turn into credit every time it can.
SF594 — We all know the positive effects of older mentors and role models can have on people during their youth and early education. Having someone to look up to, can help young minds dream big and have clearly defined goals and ambitions. I was personally blessed to have three older siblings in my household when I was growing up. This is why I co-authored bill SF594 that appropriates $500,000 over two years to Big Brother and Big Sister programs in the Twin Cities. This will provide mentorship for youth aged 12-21 and will make a big impact in the lives of Minnesota’s next generation.
SF1072 — Minnesotans have the privilege of living in the greatest place in America, a big and beautiful state home to incomparable natural beauty. While the Twin Cities metro area is a wonderful place to live, so too is Greater Minnesota, whose parks and trails often don’t get adequate funding. Every kid who grows up in this state should be able to enjoy its natural wonders, which is why I am a co-author of a bill that appropriates funding for parks and trails that are regionally important in Greater Minnesota, helping ensure that our state’s natural areas remain accessible to the public.
SF1555 — As a proud supporter of students and families, I understand the challenges our state has faced during the last year of online learning. That’s why I proudly signed on to the Online Learning Option Act, which supports students who decide to take extra initiative academically and take extra online classes from supplemental education providers. With the potential inclusion of this section in the Omnibus Bill, students taking extra online courses will be provided with career pathway counseling and other services to help prepare them for life after graduation. In addition, schools will not be able to prevent students from taking online classes from other institutions and will not be permitted to reduce the number of classes students take due to their decision to take supplemental classes. This is a strong piece of legislation that helps protect the rights of students to make their own academic decisions, and I will be proud to support it in the Omnibus Bill.
SF1138 — Carts to Careers is an important program run by the Minnesota Grocers Association that helps provide job training, scholarships, and other important tools and skills for students who want to work in the food industry. This year, we’ve witnessed firsthand the importance of our essential workers, such as those working in food service and preparation, and we know that they often don’t get the full appreciation that they deserve. That’s why I’m a proud co-author of SF1138, which sets aside a quarter of a million dollars for Carts to Careers, and am excited to see its potential inclusion in the Omnibus Bill.
Senator Hoffman Bills in the Omnibus
SF1092 — The disability policy provided in Minnesota law always needs updating and reforming to ensure that Minnesotans with disabilities are taken care of and treated with respect. My chief authored bill, SF1092, will begin to help people with disabilities. SF1092 expands the definition of “informed choice” to include that before making an informed choice, adults who have disabilities and children who have disabilities must be provided with access to all tools, information, and opportunities they request to understand all of their options. By having this new definition, people with disabilities will be guaranteed the right to have all information available to them before making a decision or choice. The bill includes applications for “informed choice” in employment policy, community living policy, self direction policy, and technology policy. This bill will be included in the Health and Human Services omnibus bill and will more than likely pass into law.
SF1330 — With bipartisan support, Sen. Abeler and myself are pushing forward a bill to create a substance abuse disorder pilot project. This pilot project aims to connect people recovering from substance abuse, who have been discharged from rehab, with healthcare professionals. Thus ensuring a smoother and more monitored transition out of rehab and into the world. The project centers around a phone and computer-based system of connecting individuals in recovery to peers, resources, and professionals aiding their recovery. This bill appropriates $250,000 for the one year project and will monitor its effectiveness for possible continuation. You can find more information along with the original text with this link SF 1330.
SF296 — When a person has a disability, every aspect of their life can become much harder, including parenting. This is why I co-authored bill SF296 which establishes a pilot project to provide assistance with child rearing tasks to parents who are eligible for personal care assistance services, or for other Minnesota state services. This pilot project will aid in child rearing tasks as defined to include; lifting and carrying the child, organizing supplies for the child, preparing meals for the child, washing clothing and bedding, childproofing the home, and assisting with transportation. The vast majority of parents with disabilities are caring and loving parents just like the rest of us, so any measure that can help them care for their child and keep the child in that loving household is a measure that I will be proud to support.
SF383 — In my continued effort to help people with disabilities, I co-authored bill SF383. This bill appropriates $1 million dollars for competitive grants to nonprofits to support housing in community-based settings for people with disabilities and the elderly. These funds will be made available for use in the year 2023, and as a part of a larger effort, will make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans who need the most help.
Senator Hoffman Amendments on Health and Human Services Reform Omnibus
On our “Mark Up” day for amendments I managed to get nine amendments added to the omnibus bill. Below are some of the key changes modifying the bill:
My first amendment ensures transparency between people on waivered services and the counties administering them, ensuring that such individuals are fully informed about their budget and the resources that are available to them. This is essential for ensuring decisions are made in an informed manner.
This amendment asks the Commissioner of Human Services to make a recommendation to the state legislature about how to best allow personal care assistants (PCAs) to visit clients in the hospital while ensuring everyone is following federal and state statutes while ensuring the client has the best and most supportive care.
This section puts 10% of the financial responsibility for young adults living in group homes and facilities onto the counties, disincentivizing county governments from simply sending people into facilities. With the inclusion of this amendment, counties will be more likely to inform people with disabilities about all the options available to them, giving the individual agency over such an important life decision.Foster CareThis amendment, supported by disability advocacy group Arc, aims to enhance the lives of people who have disabilities. This amendment re-asserts funding for regional councils on disability that was previously cut by the governor. This will help address workforce shortages, raise awareness around supporting people with disabilities, and encourage the further coordination between state and local agencies in assisting people with disabilities.
An amendment also supported by disability advocacy group, Arc, sets language presuming that people with disabilities want the best possible independence and competitive employment without reducing other options. This amendment outlines requirements for policy to be as accessible as possible.
Currently, a person with a disability who has bad credit can rent an apartment from a landlord if a provider can cosign and ensure financial payment on the lease. Over a two year period we are trying to help these renters with disabilities become more financially independent, no longer needing a provider. This amendment enables a renter with disabilities to extend the time frame a provider can help them secure a lease by removing any limit to the number of two year extensions during which a provider can co-sign on a lease as long as the landlord keeps denying the client sole ownership.
Finally, substance abuse disorder providers were often denied by counties to establish themselves and provide their services for the community. This amendment changes language from a declaration of need to a declaration of intent. Meaning, a substance abuse provider needs to only give the county notice of their intent and final approval is made by the commissioner. This amendment should have the effect of making more resources available for people with substance abuse disorders.
Information and Resources
State Government
Governor
651.201.3400 | http://mn.gov/governor
Attorney General
651.296.3353 | www.ag.state.mn.us
Representative Melissa Hortman (36B)
651.296.4280
Representative Zack Stephenson (36A)
651.296.5513
Driver’s Licenses
651.297.3298 | drivers-license-information.aspx
MN Energy Assistance Program
800.657.3710
https://mn.gov/commerce/eap.jsp
Election Information
651.215.1440 | https://www.sos.state.mn.us/
Emerald Ash Borer Prevention
and Detection
(MN Dept. of Agriculture)
pestmanagement/eab/eabbiocontrol
651.201.6684
Local Government
City of Champlin 763.421.8100
City of Brooklyn Park 763.424.8000
City of Coon Rapids 763.755.2880
Anoka County 763.421.4760
Federal Government
U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar
612.727.5220 | https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/
U.S. Senator Tina Smith
202.224-5641 | https://www.smith.senate.gov/HomePage
U.S. Congressman Dean Phillips (3rd CD)
202.225.2871 | https://phillips.house.gov/