Date

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

Dear Senator/Representative [last name],

Thank you for connecting with our agency, [__________,] in [city or county] to hear our concerns about people with disabilities struggling to access services due to a crisis-level workforce shortage. Many industries are having a hard time finding qualified people, but social service providers are especially struggling due to state set reimbursement rates that control the wages and benefits we are able to offer.

That’s where three proposals [House Files 3100, 3268 and 3157 | or Senate Files 2771, 2968 and 2773] come in. The first would update the Disability Waiver Rate System (DWRS) on an ongoing basis with more current economic data, allowing for a much-needed increase in the wages and benefits of the critical Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) providing these hands on disability supports. 

The second bill offers short-term help with scholarships, childcare relief and one-time retention payments to DSPs. And, the third covers “Employment Exploration” service rates which need to be updated so staff are paid at a market rate based on similar job types.
All of these employees are the heart and soul of our organization and the people we serve.

Our staff perform specialized, complex work to meet human needs that are felt across families and many others in our area. The simple reality is that our wages and benefits cannot compete with fast food and entry level retail pay rates in our community which are putting us out of the running for many workers and even causing some to leave us. A long-term solution is needed.

We realize there are many voices competing for funds this session, but we hope you will make this a priority. From individuals with many complex support needs to those who need a little help in getting and keeping a job, [agency] is there to assist. That help is limited right now, due to staff shortages, and this needs to change. 

Please prioritize taking action on the crisis level disability services workforce shortage this session. Minnesotans with disabilities are living more isolated and less full lives as a result, and our state must take action.  Thank you for listening and taking these realities into consideration.

Sincerely,

Name
Address with Zip code
Phone, email address 



Date

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


Dear Senator/Representative [last name],

We appreciate you taking the time to meet with us about the challenges facing disability services in 2022 and the negative impacts felt by so many in our community. [Agency name] is a place and service that’s highly valued by people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. The struggle is to find the staff to deliver that value and the quality of life that results.

Several solutions are found, starting with the Best Life Alliance proposal (SF 2771 or HF 3100) which would bring ongoing and regularly scheduled updates to the Disability Waiver Rate System (DWRS) aimed at increasing wages and benefits for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). We also hope you would consider supporting (Senate Files 2968 and 2773 | or House Files 3268 and 3157) which offer short-term help for DSPs and more competitive wages for staff who support job searches for Minnesotans with disabilities.

Our staff are highly committed to their work, and people are clamoring to engage with our services, but our capacity is nowhere near meeting the needs of our community. This has to change.

Thank you again for listening. People in this community are relying on you, the Department of Human Services and the Governor’s office to make sound decisions in support of day and employment services. 

Sincerely,

Name
Address with Zip code
Phone, email address