On Friday, I’m heading to Duluth for the DFL State Convention. This will be the 3rd time I’m a state delegate and here’s why I’m going: I went to my local caucus in February and raised my hand. I went to my Senate District Convention and raised my hand. Showing up and raising my hand… Continue reading Ready to convene
A mixed couple of weeks with some disappointment, excitement, and frustration with the unknown.
I am having severe pain in my right knee and it is causing significant hurdles in my writing process and getting out in the community. I powered through the pain and testified at the Minnesota House Human Services Policy Committee last Tuesday about Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS) legislation (House File 4568 and Senate File… Continue reading Time for change
Remember how I mentioned that there is legislation being introduced at the State of MN to make improvements to the Consumer Directed Community Services (CDCS) program? The first hearing in the House Human Services Policy Committee is at 1:00 on Tuesday, 3/19/2024, and I am excited to testify in support of this bill. This issue… Continue reading Time to Testify
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… Continue reading Ready to go
It’s finally winter in Minnesota so I’m hibernating this week when temps are going to be below zero Fahrenheit. For my friends in other parts of the world, that would be -18 to -20 Celsius. Even colder with the wind chill! I had fun presenting as part of a panel to 3rd year medical students… Continue reading Hibernating
The past week was pretty cool. As you know, I’m pretty passionate about raising my voice through meeting with elected officials, testifying at Minnesota House and Senate hearings on providing more accessible and affordable housing, and writing about my experiences living life as I know it and some of the accessibility challenges I drive into.… Continue reading Advocacy Week
It’s all about the advocacy! When it seems like it’s harder to live your life than it should be and when there are systemic issues that need to be fixed, then it’s time to raise your voice. Many of you have been following my experiences trying to find an accessible AND affordable apartment. It shouldn’t… Continue reading Remembrance & Accessible Housing
Welcome to 2023, everyone. Here’s my annual post about my 2023 goals. This year is going to be AWEsome as I Advocate, Write, and Explore. Advocate Affordable and accessible housing Watch the awesome video of the Minnesota Council on Disability Legislative Forum where I recently spoke with Minnesota State Representative Reyer about the dire need… Continue reading Hello 2023 – AWE
Hi – here’s part 2 of my trip to Washington DC, Baltimore and Philadelphia. Oh, by the way, I just got denied for the Section 8 housing voucher for the 4th time so might be a little distracted. The barriers I’m running into is why my advocacy and opportunities to meet with my US Representative… Continue reading Part 2: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
Justin Smith Writes 