Gov Walz’s (One Minnesota Hoax) First Budget Released

Alright – so, Gov Walz (aka One Minnesota Hoax) released his first budget as governor. As you can imagine, there is nothing substantial or creative in this budget for areas that affect autism and special education.

Let’s start with his measly proposal of around 8 million dollars to increase teachers of color. I know 8 million out of billions? yep – that is how little Walz values this issue – peanuts. First of all, increasing teachers of color by offering grants and scholarships are nothing new. Minnesota has been doing it for years now, and there are teachers of color including Somalis who used this program. You see that is not the problem.

The issue is what school districts do or don’t do after these folks get their degree and graduate. For example, I have seen several Somali teachers who can’t find jobs in any district. One Somali autism teacher told me that they (school districts) don’t offer teachers of color good contracts with benefits. Instead, they hire them temporarily with no benefits nor nurture their career. Additionally, these teachers of color face “microaggression and subliminal racism” according to this Somali autism teacher. Gee, I wonder where I heard that?

By the way, two Republicans introduced legislation before to increase teachers of color. Think about that GOP party does not win because of minority votes, they probably lose elections but definitely don’t win, yet they did such an amazing bill. On the other hand, the DFLers whom minorities vote for like it is holy water mostly (not all) give us empty promises during elections then ignore our issues after they win. Please vote wisely. Vote based on their legislative and policy record not because they learned a couple of Somali words, took a selfie with you or are your social media friends. Come on minorities, we have to do vote wisely. Pretty please!

For autism, Gov One Minn Hoax basically had nothing in terms of research nor decreasing Minnesota’s horrible suspension and the achievement gap. I sooooo regret voting for this governor. We can’t be fooled next election.

Usually, how The Governor’s budgets work is also from each state agency. In other words, each state agency puts its own budget and priorities together and sends it to the governor then he/she (maybe one day) proposes it.

In this case, the agencies that affect autism are the education department which added nothing/nada for autism. The Health Department also known as the do nothing about health agency added zero items for autism. Deed or the employment agency never really cared before and is worse now. This actually disappoints me the most because children with autism will become adults with autism and DEED has no clue how to support them in employment and/or otherwise. Then there is the human services agency and they (mostly because of Jason whom I refer to Mr. Fantastic) added background check for EIBDI providers. This is the only light for autism. I thank Jason for again listening, validating and wanting to ensure our children are safe. Currently, there are no background study requirements for the staff that provides treatments to children and adults with autism. Imagine that. Finally, there is the human rights department which is and has always been underfunded. No surprise there because God forbid Minnesota would want to actually investigate and eliminate racial discrimination. If you remember, this agency under Kevin told us how schools discriminate against students of color in how they discipline.  You would think Gov One Minn Hoax would increase their budget substantially so that they can help affected students, families and school districts. Nope.

Gov Walz also said something about OneCare, which will probably be similar to MNsure. In my opinion, it is all s###ht care. We still have health disparity, clearly, this ain’t working.

Human Rights Budget from Walz (aka One Minn Hoax)

Human Services Budget from Walz (aka One Minn Hoax) The autism part is on page 191 which is the only light in this long dark tunnel by Walz. 

Health Department from Walz (aka One Minn Hoax). I always puke when I think of where we are with this agency and where we came from when wonderful Dr. Sanne was in charge. Oh, how I miss her.

Education Department from Walz (aka One Minn Hoax) This what happens when the commissioner looks like the teachers that disproportionately suspend our children. I bet she is clueless about what is happening in actual schools and how discrimination creates achievement and discipline gap. 

Employment from Walz (aka One Minn Hoax) disappointing but not surprising. 

Council of African Heritage used to be called Council of Black Minnesotans. His budget here is insulting. Really insulting and this is the guy we (blacks) voted for. Come on.

Here is the list for each agency, area if you want to get a headache and see how little Walz thinks of communities of color. What the heck is the minority Lt Governor doing? Why is she sleeping? 

In summary, Jason from DHS was the sole person that cared enough about children with autism. How do you like them apples?

I guess we are reaping our bad votes in this governor. Oh one more item, remember all the talks about every Minnesotan having a seat at the Governor’s table? well, it turns out those were for sale seats. In other words, if you donated money to Gov Walz’s campaign then you bought yourself a seat. If you did not, then you have been lied to. See that here. These were the folks who bought their seats and voice. Lovely!

The individual donors who were part of the Governor’s advisory council included:

•    Abdirahman Kahin of the Afro Deli ($750)
•    Javier Morillo of SEIU Local 26 ($700)
•    Denise Specht of Education Minnesota ($500)
•    Paul Austin of Conservation Minnesota ($500)
•    Tony Sertich of the Northland Foundation ($500)
•    Senta Leff of the Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless ($454)

Above words do not reflect any candidate, agency or committee.

Idil – Somali Autism Mom