Date

Senator or Representative __________
Capitol address
St. Paul, MN  55155


Dear Senator/Representative [last name],

I wanted to take a few moments to express appreciation for hearing my concerns about the workforce shortage in disability services. Without quality staff, my [son/daughter] would not have the quality of life that [he/she] needs and deserves.

The disability services system is under a great deal of stress right now due to the workforce shortage, and that directly flows down to the individuals with disabilities who rely on day and employment services. There are thousands of people on waiting lists for services for whom providers simply do not have staff.

That’s why I wanted to continue to urge your support for (HF 3100 or SF 2771). This Best Life Alliance proposal calls for ongoing and regularly scheduled updates to the Disability Waiver Rate System (DWRS). These would use more current economic data, allowing for much needed increases in wages and benefits for Direct Support Professionals. 

If we as a state value Minnesotans with disabilities living full and meaningful lives, our state set reimbursement rates have to allow for the level of wages and benefits needed to recruit and retain the staff supports necessary to make this possible. Please work to pass HF3100/SF2771. 

Thank you for remembering us and our loved ones.  


Sincerely,

Name
Address with Zip code
Phone, email address 


Date

Senator or Representative __________
Capitol address
St. Paul, MN  55155


Dear Senator/Representative [last name],

There are many voices competing for state surplus funds this year, and we are thankful that you chose to hear ours. Disability services are a key ingredient the quality of life each person enjoys. They serve Minnesotans with complex needs on up to those who just need a little help with employment. 

We realize that staff shortages are an ongoing issue, but the reality is that the situation is getting much worse. When direct support professionals (DSP) stay in their jobs longer, individuals with disabilities and their families are better served, and frankly, much happier. That’s the best-case scenario. In the worst-case, which is a reality for many, there is no DSP there to provide the service.

Wide support for the Best Life Alliance solution to this problem will be needed. (HF 3100 or SF 2771) proposes ongoing and regularly scheduled updates to the Disability Waiver Rate System (DWRS) aimed at increasing the wages and benefits of DSPs. 

If we as a state value Minnesotans with disabilities living full and meaningful lives, our state set reimbursement rates have to allow for the level of wages and benefits needed to recruit and retain the staff supports necessary to make this possible. Please work to pass HF3100/SF2771. 

Thank you again for listening. 

Sincerely,

Name
Address with Zip code
Phone, email address 


Date

Senator or Representative __________
Capitol address
St. Paul, MN  55155


Dear Senator/Representative [last name],

Thank you for meeting to discuss the value of disability services and the challenges that Minnesota’s system is facing due to the current extreme shortage of workers available to provide the hands-on support necessary to support Minnesotans with disabilities to live full lives. 

I wanted to reinforce my ask of you to support the passage of (HF 3100 or SF 2771)  the Best Life Alliance proposal for ongoing and regularly scheduled updates to the Disability Waiver Rate System (DWRS) to increase wages and benefits for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). 

My son/daughter would not be the person he/she is today without disability day and employment services. So much of what we all do is defined by our day activities and work, and such services are integral to [loved one’s name]’s mental and physical health. 

These kind of supports don’t just happen. They come about because legislators see the value and commit the resources needed to improve people’s lives. Again, I appreciate you hearing my concerns. 

Sincerely,

Name
Address with Zip code
Phone, email address