Dear Friends,
The 2026 legislative session began last Tuesday with moving tributes to slain leader House Speaker Emeritus Melissa Hortman and to Sen. John Hoffman who survived an assassination attempt. Opening ceremonies provided a sharp contrast to the flurry of activities that concluded the rest of the first week of Session where the focus on fraud, immigration, and public safety drew emotional statements and testimony.
This will be a challenging year for our legislators as well as those of us working to keep disability services and programs at the forefront of sound legislative initiatives.
It was awe-inspiring to see Sen. Hoffman reach his goal of climbing the marble stairs in the Capitol to the Senate Chambers and to return to his leadership position as chair of the Senate Human Services Committee. His message to his peers can serve as a guideline for everyone to work constructively toward shared goals. “Let’s rise above the noise,” he said, “and let us govern with humility, and let us prove through our actions, not just words, that democracy is stronger than fear.”
I admire the courage, tenacity, and integrity with which Sen. Hoffman has always led.
Before we get too immersed in this Session, I wish to pay tribute to MOHR members for the work done each day to strengthen, assess, and infuse program integrity so that people in Minnesota have continuity of service. Let us aid decision-makers by listening and offering thought-provoking and inspiring examples from the people they represent.
I look forward to seeing you on March 24 for Disability Services Day at the Capitol.
Respectfully,
Robin
