2021 Policy Memorandum
Date: 92nd Legislature, 2021 session
Re: FY22-23 Budget for Minnesota Council on Disability
Summary
FY 2022-23 Governor’s Budget Recommendations – Minnesota Council on Disability (PDF)
In this legislative session, we must watch for potential cuts to MCD’s already-small budget and work with legislators to preserve, if not expand, it. In addition to preserving our budget, MCD legislative priorities include safeguarding the budgets of state agencies and programs that serve the disability community. The Minnesota Office of Management and Budget released its February 2021 Budget and Economic Forecast. Instead of an anticipated shortfall for FY 2022-23, the forecast now projects a positive balance of $1.6 billion due to a higher revenue forecast, lower state spending, and an increased surplus for the current fiscal year. This news means that budget cuts to disability agencies and services are unlikely. However, it is important to continue to monitor the legislative budget process.
Disability Context
The Minnesota Council on Disability is the sole state agency that serves people with disabilities in Minnesota through the development of effective policy, training, and technical resources. We collaborate with public and private stakeholders. Any cut to the MCD budget could hinder services and agency growth, with reverberating effects on the disability community for years to come. Strong and secure budgets determine the quality of services people with disabilities rely on to succeed.
Potential Partners
- Legislative Champions
- The Governor’s office
- Minnesota Department of Human Rights
- Minnesota Commission for the Deaf, DeafBlind, & Hard of Hearing
- DEED – Vocational Rehabilitation
- State Services for the Blind
- Minnesota Governors Council on Developmental Disabilities
- DHS Olmstead Subcabinet
- Any other state disability service providers
Opposition Considerations
State agencies, particularly councils & commissions, are easy targets for fiscally conservative legislators, especially those who believe these agencies provide redundant services.
Goal of Policy
This policy aims to preserve, if not expand, the Minnesota Council on Disability operational budget, so the council can continue to grow and be a leader to the disability community in Minnesota.