Legislative Session coming up

Last year, I appealed the self-directed budget I receive that helps pay for my direct support staff and some other things not covered by Medical Assistance. This funding makes it possible for me to live independently with the care I need. The problem is, it doesn’t cover all of the staffing hours I need. This means that my old parents, bad backs and all, get to provide a lot of unpaid care and I get to go hang out at home a lot of weekends, instead of my own apartment.

I’m hoping that legislation will be proposed in the upcoming Minnesota legislative session that will help fix this. I’m close to having to switch to more traditional provider services which means I will have less flexibility, fewer choices, and it will cost the state far more than just making sure my self-directed budget covers what I need. Self-directed services should be a viable alternative for those of us who choose them.

Another issue I care deeply about is more accessible affordable housing and am supporting the Our Future Starts At Home (OFSAH) campaign. Check out their website to learn more about a constitutional amendment for additional funding for accessible affordable housing. 

A whole new caucus

As you know, I moved into my own apartment, and am now in a new legislative district. I have a brand new caucus to go to in a couple of weeks and am excited to get involved again. Folks may be tired of the presidential election already, but going to our caucuses in Minnesota means so much more. This is how to meet elected officials and get involved in local politics. It’s also a great way to make sure that people are more aware of issues impacting people with disabilities. So, I might write a resolution or two in support of the issues I just wrote about up above. And I am raising my hand to go onto the next convention.

From the Entry to the Palace

Got tickets! Going to see Christy Costello at the Entry in 2 weeks and the Mountain Goats at the Palace Theater in April! These shows are at some of my favorite live music venues in the Twin Cities.

Here’s one of my favorite Mountain Goats songs for you – Game Shows Touch Our Lives.