Cora Willenbring, MOHR
The Minnesota Organization for Habilitation and Rehabilitation (MOHR) proudly participated in Disability Services Day at the Minnesota State Capitol on March 18, joining over 1,000 advocates from across the state to speak with legislators about the importance of protecting and prioritizing funding for disability services. This year’s event placed a major focus on Governor Walz’s proposed budget cuts, which would significantly impact the services available to Minnesotans with disabilities.
One of the most concerning proposals is a reduction in the Absence and Utilization Factor for Day Services. This change would lower the factor from 9.4% to 3.9%, resulting in a roughly 6% cut to state reimbursement rates. These cuts would directly impact services such as prevocational work skills training, community engagement, volunteer experiences, communication and sensory support, and life enrichment programs. These services are essential in helping individuals with disabilities lead connected and engaged lives. However, funding reductions primarily impact staff wages, making it harder for providers to attract and retain skilled workers, ultimately limiting access to necessary services.
Another key concern is the proposed Two Percent Cap on Scheduled Rate Adjustments within the Disability Waiver Rate System. This cap would limit rate adjustments to just two percent per year, even though current rates are based on economic data that lags nearly two years behind. With rising costs, this cap would further widen the gap between actual service costs and reimbursement rates, worsening financial strain on providers and making it even harder to support individuals with disabilities.
MOHR urges community members, local leaders, and policymakers to advocate for the protection of disability services funding. Without sufficient investment, these proposed cuts will worsen the workforce shortage, reduce access to essential services, and threaten progress toward ensuring all individuals have opportunities to live meaningful, independent lives. Additionally, because state spending on waiver-funded disability services is matched by federal funding, every dollar cut by the state results in a loss of twice that amount in overall funding. The Governor’s proposed cuts would make it even harder for disability service providers to maintain the staff necessary to support Minnesotans with disabilities. These services are not optional—they are essential for ensuring individuals with disabilities can live full and engaged lives.
For more information or to get involved, please contact MOHR PR Consultant, Cora Willenbring at cora@corawillenbring.studio.
