Justin, young man laughing, wearing red and black houndstooth plaid shirt, seated in power wheelchair, in front of One Minnesota 2023 Inaugural Celebration banner with yellow and blue pine trees
Accessibility (#A11y), Advocacy, travel, Writing

Hello 2023 – AWE

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

Justin smiling with MN Governor Walz
Accessibility (#A11y), Advocacy

Seat at the table in #OneMinnesota

On Monday, I went to the Legislative Forum sponsored by the Minnesota Council on Disability. Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan were both there - the first time that a Governor or Lt. Governor has come to this Legislative Forum. It was also great to hear from the legislators who were there to talk about… Continue reading Seat at the table in #OneMinnesota

Justin smiling with MN Governor Walz
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What is up in my world?

Celebrate! Hey, how awesome was last night’s Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Inaugural Celebration?  Super AWESOME! Fun music, dancers, and so much excitement! Here are some of the picture highlights. Congratulations to Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan! I loved being a delegate for them in the caucus, organizing unit convention, and at the… Continue reading What is up in my world?

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VOTE on 11/6 if you haven’t already

This will probably be my last political post until next year. Or not. In last Tuesday’s blogpost, I said I was going to vote for Minnesota Democrats Tim Walz and Peggy Flanagan, Tina Smith, Amy Klobuchar, Betty McCollum, and Ami Wazlawik. But, I want to be clear that I am not voting for Democrats because… Continue reading VOTE on 11/6 if you haven’t already

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