Advocates push for Minnesota disability inclusion bill amid budget cuts concerns

A powerful plea for disability rights took center stage during the Minnesota Senate's Committee on Human Services meeting on April 9, 2025. Aaliyah Wegener, a passionate advocate and mother, urged lawmakers to support Senate File 985, a bill aimed at ensuring equal rights for individuals with disabilities. Wegener shared her personal journey of overcoming bacterial meningitis, which left her paralyzed, and highlighted her daughter's struggle with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), a debilitating condition that forced her to abandon her dreams of playing Division 1 softball.

Wegener emphasized the urgent need for resources and support for people with disabilities, stating, "There are simply not enough resources available to people that have a disability." She called on senators to champion disability inclusion in Minnesota by maintaining a proposed one-time appropriation of $4 million within the bill. Her heartfelt testimony resonated with committee members, as she reminded them that statistically, everyone will experience a disability in their lifetime.

In contrast, the meeting also featured concerns from representatives of long-term care facilities regarding proposed budget cuts. Kyle Burnt, speaking on behalf of the Long Term Care Imperative, expressed disappointment over a $192 million reduction in nursing facility funding, which he argued would negatively impact care providers who had made investments in their workforce. Burnt warned that the proposed 4% cap on reimbursements could lead to significant financial strain on facilities, potentially compromising the quality of care for Minnesota's seniors.

The committee's discussions highlighted the delicate balance between budget constraints and the need for adequate support for vulnerable populations. As the meeting concluded, it was clear that the path forward would require collaboration and careful consideration of the implications for both individuals with disabilities and the long-term care sector. The outcomes of these discussions will be pivotal in shaping the future of disability services in Minnesota.