For 50 years, the Minnesota Council on Disability (MCD) has been at the forefront of advocating for members of the disability community across our state. As we look ahead to the next 50 years, we are encouraged by the media’s increased efforts to bring attention to crucial issues impacting so many of our constituents. From personal journeys to legislative actions, critical concerns to joyous celebrations, your stories are becoming part of community conversations. We want to highlight this ongoing media coverage and share some of these important news stories.
Please note: The links on this page point to external content. While we continue to encourage media outlets to make their digital content accessible, we cannot guarantee the accessibility of this material. Additionally, some of this material may be hosted behind a paywall.
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May 16, 2025
What Could Congress’ Changes to Medicaid, Food Stamps Mean for Minnesota?
As federal lawmakers consider cuts to Medicaid and food stamp programs, Minnesota officials and advocates express concern over the potential impact on low-income residents. Sumukha Terakanambi, public policy consultant for the Minnesota Council on Disability, explained that increased bureaucratic requirements could divert resources away from direct services, making it harder for people to keep their health coverage. “A lot of people will lose health insurance because of all of these onerous requirements.” He warned that such changes would disproportionately affect people with disabilities, who rely on consistent access to healthcare and support services.
What Could Congress’ Changes to Medicaid, Food Stamps Mean for Minnesota?
March 25, 2025
Rally Held for Disability Services Day at the Minnesota Capitol
The Minnesota Council on Disability joined other disability rights groups at the State Capitol for Disability Advocacy Day. Participants asked lawmakers to increase support for essential disability services, especially with growing concerns about Medicaid across the country. Several speakers emphasized the same point: if these cuts go through, people will suffer. After the rally, attendees met directly with legislators to discuss these important issues.
Rally Held for Disability Services Day at the Minnesota Capitol
March 23, 2025
Ticket Totals for Illegal Parking in Disabled Spots Vary Widely in Minnesota. Do the Numbers Lie?
Disability parking violations remain common across Minnesota, but enforcement varies considerably by community, impacting accessibility statewide. “My sense is that [law enforcement] don’t do it at all, but it sounds like some [tickets] are issued,” said David Fenley, ADA Director for MCD. “Obviously, they don’t enforce it where the number is zero.” He emphasized, “It really is the most basic of rights for people with disabilities,” underscoring how inconsistent enforcement threatens equal access and participation for Minnesotans with disabilities.
Ticket Totals for Illegal Parking in Disabled Spots Vary Widely in Minnesota. Do the Numbers Lie?
March 21, 2025
Legislative Update
Representative Brion Curran recently highlighted their legislative efforts to enhance services for Minnesotans with disabilities at the 2025 MCD Legislative Forum. They emphasized bipartisan legislation addressing significant issues, including House File 2406, which aims to reduce delays caused by the MnCHOICES assessment backlog. House File 2004 ensures access to critical support services for individuals traveling or studying outside Minnesota. Additionally, House File 382 enhances the Disability Waiver Rate System by increasing the competitive workforce factor. This would ultimately improve the quality of care and expand career opportunities for people serving the disability community.
March 20, 2025
Democratic State AGs Promise to Fight Trump’s Executive Power Grab
MCD Chair Nikki Villavicencio spoke at a recent community town hall focused on concerns regarding federal Medicaid cuts under the Trump administration. The town hall featured state attorneys general and local advocates unified in their commitment to safeguarding civil liberties and essential community services. Villavicencio stressed the serious repercussions these cuts could pose for Minnesotans with disabilities, highlighting that Minnesota may lose up to \$1.6 billion in funding in 2027. “As someone who was born with disabilities, I’ve seen time and time again that whenever our communities are short in our budgets, people with disabilities and senior services are cut first.”
Democratic State AGs Promise to Fight Trump’s Executive Power Grab
February 27, 2025
Minnesotans With Disabilities: Cutting Medicaid Would Leave Us Segregated
As Congress debates major budget cuts, the Minnesota Council on Disability (MCD) is advocating to protect Medicaid, a vital program for people with disabilities. David Dively, MCD’s Executive Director, underscores the importance of Medicaid-funded employment incentives that allow individuals to work without losing coverage. “[T]hat’s a service that allows people to be gainfully employed and be on Medicaid at the same time,” he said, highlighting its role in economic independence. Potential Medicaid cuts of up to $800 billion could have devastating consequences for Minnesotans with disabilities, jeopardizing their employment and independence. MCD stresses the need for strong advocacy at both state and federal levels to protect these essential services.
Minnesotans With Disabilities: Cutting Medicaid Would Leave Us Segregated
February 5, 2025
Emergency Planning for Individuals with Disabilities
Crystal Heim, public relations manager at Ability Building Community (ABC) in Rochester, Minnesota, emphasizes the importance of emergency preparedness for people with disabilities. She encourages people to think about their specific needs during an emergency and plan how to meet them. Practicing what to do in an emergency helps people feel more confident and less worried, Heim says. She encourages families to talk regularly about how to handle different types of emergencies, including medical ones. The article refers to MCD’s Emergency Plan for People with Disabilities, an online resource for various emergency situations.
Emergency Planning for Individuals with Disabilities
Minnesotans with Disabilities Say State’s Proposed Budget Cuts Would ‘Bring Us Backward’
Advocates and providers worry that Governor Tim Walz’s proposed changes to disability services, aimed at reducing state spending, may reduce Medicaid waivers that support Minnesotans with disabilities. Sumukha Terakanambi, a policy consultant for the Minnesota Council on Disability, emphasized the potential negative impact. “It would compromise the quality of services people with disabilities receive.” Advocates worry the budget cuts could undo years of progress in disability rights and inclusion, and they ask policymakers to think about their human impact.
Minnesotans with Disabilities Say State’s Proposed Budget Cuts Would ‘Bring Us Backward’
January 29, 2025
Proposed Trims to Minnesota’s Disability Waiver Program Concern People Reliant on Services
Governor Tim Walz wants to limit the growth of Minnesota’s disability waiver program to 2% each year. Trevor Turner, Public Policy Director for the Minnesota Council on Disability, worries this could hurt people with disabilities. He explained, “When you don’t have the automatic inflationary adjustment, then you’re basically just balancing the budget on the backs of people with disabilities.” To better manage costs, Turner supports cutting red tape and making sure Medicaid funds go to services rather than boosting provider profits.
Proposed Trims to Minnesota’s Disability Waiver Program Concern People Reliant on Services