Back of Justin in his wheelchair covered with pins for MN DFL candidates looking at yard signs for DFL candidates
Uncategorized

Midterms on Nov 6: Clear choice for me in Minnesota

The DFL candidates all are more supportive of disability rights and issues that impact my ability to choose where I live with the supports that I need to be included in my community. Social services that support people with disabilities to be able to live in their communities are critical. This means fighting for: Affordable… Continue reading Midterms on Nov 6: Clear choice for me in Minnesota

Ami Wazlawik and Justin Smith smiling
Uncategorized

GOTV and CHVRCHES

GOTV Busy week this week. For the first time ever, I went door-knocking with my mom. I’m hoping to get out more in the next month for Ami Wazlawik for MN State House 38B and my other favorites like Tim Walz for Governor, Amy Klobuchar, and Tina Smith for US Senate. Each of these candidates… Continue reading GOTV and CHVRCHES

Justin with I voted sticker on next to Vote Here sign and US Flag
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Governor’s Forum on 9/13 cancelled

I just got this cancellation yesterday for the Governor's Forum that I was looking forward to going to on Thursday. "Unfortunately, event cosponsors have had to cancel the event due to lack of confirmation from the candidates. We are still working to ensure that candidates for Minnesota Governor address and prioritize issues of importance to members of… Continue reading Governor’s Forum on 9/13 cancelled

Justin with Tim Walz
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Why it matters

Governor Candidates' Forum on 9/13 There are some key issues that impact people with disabilities that I think everyone should be thinking about as they decide who to vote for in the midterm elections. I’ve said this in previous posts and will say it again – SHOW UP! It’s important to show up now and… Continue reading Why it matters

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Vote! My letter to the editor

My First Letter to the Editor published in White Bear/Vadnais Heights Press, August 8, 2018 This coming Tuesday, August 14th, is the primary election for governor in Minnesota. As a young person living with a severe disability, I know that the next election can have a huge impact on the disability community. I am supporting… Continue reading Vote! My letter to the editor

Justin with reporter Noelle Anderson smiling
Advocacy

Adjournment

My first time as a delegate to the State Democratic Farmer Labor (DFL) Convention was definitely exciting and suspenseful! I met some amazing people and loved seeing the political process in action. Thanks to ABC-6 in Rochester for noticing my blog, reaching out, and then sending a wonderful reporter, Noelle Anderson, to interview me about… Continue reading Adjournment

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I’m here and stuff

Welcome to my new blog site! I’ve moved my blog to JustinSmithWrites.com I’ve been learning how to set up everything in WordPress, which has been fun. It’s pretty easy to use. So, sign up to receive notifications for when I post a new blog from my new site. Let me know what you think! It… Continue reading I’m here and stuff

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Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

Just say no I have fought and will continue to stand against every single attack to cut Medicaid because of these three words - freedom to choose. People with disabilities should have the freedom to choose how to live their lives and I can only do that with the help of Medicaid. The Medicaid funding… Continue reading Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

Justin laying in hospital bed, brother sitting in chair with game controller
Advocacy, Health, Political

On the Issue of Disability Rights: Healthcare

I have been pretty nervous about plans for repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Representative Ryan’s plans for the Medicaid Block Grants and Per Capita Caps could have drastic impacts on people with disabilities, like me. To explain this, let me share my story. I had 6 surgeries within one year. I don’t… Continue reading On the Issue of Disability Rights: Healthcare