2026 Legislative Priorities
MOHR members are dedicated to advancing the quality of life for Minnesotans with disabilities. These priorities are among the most important for legislative decision makers and other stakeholders to support the people MOHR members serve.
Target Fraud Swiftly, Thoroughly and Planfully
MOHR is committed to accountability and transparency, and our members are among the state’s leading sources of best practices. Fraud in Minnesota’s state-funded programs must be targeted—without negatively impacting Minnesotans in need of services.
Ensure Access to Day Support Services
The Absence and Utilization Factor in the Disability Waiver Rate System helps offset fixed program costs when participants have unplanned absences. Reducing this factor would significantly jeopardize access to life changing Day Support Services—especially for programs serving people with the most complex health and disability needs. Their complex needs often come with more frequent absences. It was extremely concerning to see this proposed reduction in the Governor’s Supplemental Budget.
Ensure Access to Waiver-Funded Disability Services
In every corner of Minnesota, access to waiver-funded disability services help Minnesotans with disabilities to live full and community-integrated lives. To ensure this access, the state must continue to address the rate reimbursement system (DWRS) that is foundational for access to these services. MOHR partnered with others on legislation that proposes to change the current law every-other-year economic adjustments to reimbursement rates, to instead take place annually (Senate File 4260/House File 3374). It was extremely concerning to see that the Governor’s Supplemental Budget instead proposes to move our state backward in access to disability services, by proposing arbitrary caps on the economic adjustments made to the DWRS system. At this time of significant workforce shortages, waiting lists for services, and repercussions from last session’s nearly $1 billion in reductions to DWRS, this proposal further exacerbates the very real gap between reimbursement rates and the cost of providing services.
Respond to the Challenging Fiscal Environment
The Long Term Services and Supports Advisory Council is charged with reducing cost growth and building greater efficiencies in that system. This council can help our state better utilize resources and improve outcomes, with recommendations due to the legislature in late 2026. MOHR has long advocated for more streamlining and coordination across state agencies that touch the lives of those we serve, and significant opportunities remain.
Support Access to Extended Employment Services
Extended Employment is a vital service that ensures Minnesotans with disabilities have access to long-term work opportunities, helping people earn wages, contribute to local businesses, and reduce reliance on public assistance. This cost-effective program should remain accessible to the individuals in need of these employment supports, including those who are eligible for DHS waivered services (Senate File 4438/House File 4193).
