Date

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


Dear Senator/Representative [last name]

I wanted to take a few moments to express my appreciation for the Legislature’s decision to support essential services for people with disabilities. 

As you are aware, the Health and Human Services Omnibus Bill was signed into law this session and included some favorable items for people with intellectual disabilities.

[Insert specific message to legislator regarding his or her vote or stated support.]

Chief among them was a “Competitive Workforce Factor” for community-based service providers that will increase rates by an average of about 4 percent. There was also a change to have automatic rate updates for providers every two years, rather than every five. These are important steps in the right direction, but there are still needs going forward.

The Department of Human Services did a study and discovered that direct support professionals (DSPs) in the field are paid 17 percent less than people in comparable positions. We need and rely on DSPs. They’re critical in providing services to individuals with disabilities and need to be equitably compensated to stay in the field.

Disability service providers truly care for a wide range of people. Some of the most vulnerable require more intense levels of care, while others just need a little help to get and keep a job. These individuals, and everyone in between, all need our support to have a quality life.

Please keep that in mind as you represent us and others in similar situations. Thank you for being mindful of Minnesotans with disabilities and the staff members who serve them. 
  

Sincerely,

Name
Address with Zip code
Phone, email address