Alright so, if you read this blog then you surely know and understand the connection between autism therapy, treatment, research, services and resources to Politics.
If not – let me explain a little. A politician is the person that often writes policies and guidelines that dictate what therapy, what research, what funding, what services and what resources will be allocated or not allocated for autism children & adults. For example, what therapies will be covered, for how long, for whom in Minnesota are usually created and passed by Minnesota state legislatures like Rep Kahn who has done zero, zilch and nada for autism thus far – even though her district 60B has the highest autism rate in the state.
Another example, Governor Dayton’s administration has refused to apply the CDC autism surveillance system. Another example, Rep Huntley has tried to give the upper wealthier autism families over $25 million from the health & human services budget last year while he told the low income autism families to get $12 million. Think about that difference and the level of inequality it would have created. Thank God it was not adopted by Sen Lourey’s senate health finance committee.
In other words, politicians in Minnesota most likely created whatever policy in health to education to economics to etc. Now what does this have to do with MN GOP? Well as minorities we don’t usually vote for them or even understand them. Or at least that’s what we think. For instance, in Spring of 2010 was the first year we (Somali autism parents) advocated in MN State Capitol – we found out HF359 by Rep Norton a DFLer from Rochester wanted to ……guess, mandate private insurance companies to pay for ABA therapy and drum roll pls…….throw low income/minority autism kids under the bus. I will never forget that day because it has totally changed how I vote and now I actually read the ballot instead of just circling all D’s.
All of the MN DFLer’s in that committee which included Reps Huntley, Fritz, Clark, Hayden, Thissen, etc voted to help upper/middle and screw low income minority autism families. By the same token, MN GOP Reps which included Abeler, Gottwalt, Kiffmeyer, etc voted in support of low income/minority autism families. Let’s think about that for a minute – because that can’t be right?
Well – it was and their roll call voice vote on record is the proof in the pudding.
From that day on, we have asked MN GOP to rethink their outreach strategy given they lose elections by as little as 200 to 312 to 9000 votes. And, I am sooooo glad this day has finally come. They are coming to listen, learn and connect with our community.
I really thank their new leadership Mr. Keith Downey, Janet B, Chris F and of course Dan Severson. Below is the time and location. Please share this with your family and friends because voting for the same people and expecting different policies is insane.
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Thursday, April 24, 2014 from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM (CDT) Minnesota Republican Party Office |
As usual, above words do not represent any agency, committee or candidate.
Thanks!
Idil – Somali Autism Mom & Minority Advocate