A mixed couple of weeks with some disappointment, excitement, and frustration with the unknown.
Category: Political
Time for change
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
Time to Testify
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
Ready to go
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
My top five books for 2022
Happy New Year’s everyone! To end off the year, I thought, “Hey why don’t I do a post about my favorite books I read this year?” Tis the time of the holiday season for everyone to use some of those gift cards or holiday cash at some local indie bookstores. As you all know, I’m… Continue reading My top five books for 2022
Part 2: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
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
Really?!?
Remember how I’ve been writing about the direct support staffing crisis? That we’re not paying caregivers enough so are having a really hard time trying to find or hire anyone? This story by Kirsten Swanson of KSTP, is more about the direct support crisis impact on group homes: From Group Home to Senior Living Staffing… Continue reading Really?!?
Bureaucracy + budget + staffing = nightmare
Enough with the waiting around for the “all about staffing” blog. I did have some health stuff I was dealing with and ended up in the emergency room a week ago. I’m doing fine now, but it seems like a good excuse for not getting this post done last week. Recap #1: The first hurdle… Continue reading Bureaucracy + budget + staffing = nightmare
It’s Time to Begin, isn’t it?
Welcome and do I have a big valley of news for you, starting with the legislation to make apartments more accessible in Minnesota. I will be testifying on Tuesday at a MN House hearing for this crucial piece of legislation (HF 2695 and SF 2603) that is also supported by the Arc Minnesota and the… Continue reading It’s Time to Begin, isn’t it?
life updates
This is going to be a quick overview of what I've been working on and advocacy stuff coming up. Presenting at Homes For All Annual Launch: The Crisis Stops Here on 2/2 My apartment search has shown me and hopefully you all the critical need for more accessible, affordable housing and building standards that actually… Continue reading life updates
Justin Smith Writes 