Minnesota advocates warn proposed budget cuts will devastate disability waiver services and care

Concerns over proposed cuts to disability waiver services dominated the House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee meeting on January 23, 2025. Advocates voiced strong opposition to budget proposals that threaten to cap inflationary adjustments at 2%, warning that this move could worsen an already critical workforce crisis in Minnesota.

Mr. Tavetz, representing ARM, highlighted that direct support professionals—predominantly women and people of color—are already underpaid, earning an average of just $17 per hour. He emphasized that these cuts would not only jeopardize jobs but also the essential care provided to individuals with disabilities. “These caps threaten not just jobs, but the essential life-giving care they provide to Minnesotans with disabilities,” Tavetz stated.

The proposed budget cuts could amount to a staggering $600 million over four years, destabilizing a service system that is already fragile. Key reductions include limiting rate exceptions for providers, capping billable days, and restricting individualized home support training. Tavetz argued that the administration's claim that these cuts would not reduce access to services is unrealistic, stating, “You cannot remove $600 million over four years from an already strained system without serious consequences.”

The implications of these cuts extend beyond financial concerns. Sarah Grafstrom, Senior Director of State and Federal Policy with ARM, explained that insufficient investment in waiver services leads to the closure of group homes and increased staff turnover. Families may face difficult decisions about how to support their loved ones, potentially uprooting individuals from homes they have lived in for years.

As the committee deliberates, advocates urge lawmakers to prioritize the needs of the disability community and protect vital services that enable Minnesotans with disabilities to lead meaningful lives. The outcome of this budget proposal could significantly impact families and the quality of care available in the state.