Effective public policy starts with you. Learn how you can effectively advocate for legislation that improves the lives of Minnesotans with disabilities.
Advocacy Update
Stay informed about current policy issues affecting Minnesotans with disabilities. Learn what’s at stake and discover how you can take action to create change.
Protect Medicaid and Prevent Cuts to Essential Disability Services
Recent federal budget proposals threaten substantial Medicaid cuts, potentially harming essential disability services relied upon by millions of Minnesotans. Learn about what’s at stake, understand the legislative process affecting Medicaid funding, and discover ways you can advocate for protecting these crucial supports.
Understanding Medicaid and How You Can Help Protect It
Contact Your Legislators
One way to advocate for legislation is by contacting your legislators—by email, regular mail, or phone—and asking them to support a particular bill. Note: If you email your legislators, we recommend “CC-ing” (carbon copying) their legislative assistants.
Find your senator or representative using the Who Represents Me form. Each result has a Contact link that will take you to the legislator’s page. You can find email addresses for legislative assistants on the Senate Staff and House Staff pages.
To assist you in your advocacy, here is a letter template and a phone call script. Be sure to personalize them by filling in the information in brackets. It is important that you tell your legislator:
- How your personal experiences connect to this issue.
- How this legislation would help you, your loved ones, or members of the community.
Letter Template
Dear [Representative/Senator] [Last Name],
My name is [Your Name]. I am [Your Age] years old and live in [City], Minnesota. [Briefly introduce yourself—your work, family, advocacy experience, or connection to disability.]
As your constituent, I am writing to express my support for/opposition to [describe the specific policy or legislation].
[Provide background on the issue. Example: Medicaid is a lifeline for approximately 80 million Americans. Beyond essential healthcare, it funds home and community-based services that allow people with disabilities to live independently. These services are not covered by most private insurance plans or Medicare and are too expensive to pay out of pocket.]
This issue affects me and my family personally because [explain how it impacts you].
Given the importance of [issue], I strongly urge you to support/oppose [policy/legislation]. Please also share these concerns with your colleagues so they understand the real-life impact. With your help, we can ensure the needs of people with disabilities remain a priority.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Phone Call Script
Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I live in [Representative/Senator’s] [Last Name] district at [Street Address, City, Zip Code]. I am calling to express my support for/opposition to [policy/legislation].
[Provide background on the issue. Example: Medicaid is a vital program for people with disabilities, including those with rare diseases. It provides essential health insurance and community services. Any funding cuts could jeopardize independent living and create financial hardship.]
This issue directly impacts me and my family because [explain your situation].
I strongly urge [Representative/Senator’s Name] to support/oppose [policy/legislation]. Congress must prioritize the well-being of people with disabilities.
Thank you for your time.
[Your Name]
Become Your Own Advocate
Partners in Policymaking
Partners in Policymaking is an acclaimed advocacy and leadership training program focused on supporting people with developmental disabilities. Students come away from the course with a variety of skills and resources for community organizing and taking part in the legislative process.
Making Your Case
The Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities offers an extensive guide to lobbying your legislator. The guide includes strategies for the entire legislative process, including:
- How to get meetings with legislators
- How to organize a committee testimony
- How to use social media to support legislation
“Making Your Case” also includes insights on the nuances of advocating at the Capitol, including:
- Etiquette for meeting with legislators
- Attending committee hearings
- Engaging with legislative staff
Whether you’re looking to engage with a legislator or organize a campaign with other concerned citizens, this guide is a useful resource.
Additional Resources
- Legislative Resources
- Follow our Facebook and Twitter to stay up-to-date with our policy agenda.
- Subscribe to our mailing lists to learn how you can help champion disability policy in Minnesota.