First, let me explain why it became important to write this blog and only for these elected officials.
Both Sen Hayden and Rep Loeffler represent a large Somali population in South Minneapolis and North East Minneapolis where there are tons and tons of Somali autism families that voted for them. And, they are both now part of the health and human services conference committee. They will have a huge hand in what language and coverage is decided both public and private autism children.
Therefore, their votes should reflect their districts, if not we should be aware and hold them to it.
Let’s start with Rep Loeffler: Remember the saying (Waraabaha ka ciya iyo ka aamusan – kee baa la qaataa. Ka aamusan still stands) Rep. Loeffler does not say much, looks low key and hardly speaks in committees. Nevertheless, Rep Loeffler has no interest in knowing or voicing an opinion about autism at all. Rep. Loeffler will do this without a word and without one iota of an emotion. Hence waraabaha ka ciya ayaa la qaataa. I remember when Rep Loeffler would say the other side would hurt the disabled, funny how autism which is under disability and is being hurt by Rep Loeffler is OK now.
Now, let me first describe Sen Hayden. He is charming, charismatic and funny sometimes all at the same-time. Sen. Hayden can give a speech like no one else and say words like decrease disparity and decrease education gap as if it was holly water and you want to drink it. Sometimes, I get confused whether I am watching Danzel Washington in Training Day or Tom Hanks in Philadelphia or an elected official. Sen Hayden can probably sell water to a drowning African American person even me. Sen Hayden has voted against autism equal access bills in 2010 and in 2013 (so far). In fact, he has managed to convince other senators in HHS Finance committee to vote for the unlimited hours and unlimited age for the wealthy private insurance autism child while the poor and low income autism child has many limitations and rules to quality for the same therapy. I kid you not.
Sen. Hayden can elbow schmooze the Woodbury and Minnetonka wealthy non-minority autism family who took 2nd & 3rd mortgages to help their children while ignoring and dismissing the South Minneapolis poor Autism family that can not sell a house because they live in public housing.
I kid you not. I hope Sen Hayden remembers he works and represents South Mpls.
In addition, they both represent constituents that have gotten the short end of all sticks from education to health to economic opportunities. Minneapolis is bottom #48 for education gap between Black and White children, has bottom 10 worst health disparity including autism for Blacks and Hispanics. And, get this – Minneapolis has the highest gap for employment for African Americans – this includes Somalis by the way.
I think Governor Dayton said in a town hall meeting in Shakopee last week, elections have consequences. I say Elected Officials VOTES should also have Consequences.
At some point, voters in these districts have got to wake up and say to Sen Hayden and Rep Loeffler (you work for your district and if your votes don’t reflect that, we will not vote for you again) Insanity is voting for the same people and expecting different policies. Think about that.
Sen Hayden represents District 62 and has the most Somalis in Minneapolis. He won last election cycle by 86% out of 31,686 Votes. There is zero chance for a GOP here, but there are at least few Somalis and maybe African Americans that can do it though it might be hard to get DFL endorsement. Let Abdi Warsame and longtime DFL endorsed Lilligren be a lesson here. Nothing is Impossible.
Rep Loeffler represents District 60A and won 81% of the vote – out of 20,790 Votes. This means a GOP has zero chance, but I bet another DFL with a backbone can do it. I hope someone does.
I know, I probably pissed them off even more now, but really what is the point of voting for elected officials who don’t represent the common good of their voters?
Sen Hayden and Rep Loeffler – the goal is not to piss you off, but to make you aware that the status quo is not working for the people you work for. We need change in policy or change in you.
To their voters – Ask yourself a simple question, and if you are still at the bottom of all stats – think again and give the other guy or lady a chance.
Thanks!
Idil – Somali Autism Mom
May 2nd, 2013