Alright, so – if you follow this blog then you know in my little advocacy I have connected autism to policy to politicians. Here is why, politicians hire state agency leaders who do autism research and provide autism resources and service for children and families affected by autism. By the same token, state and Congress representatives write laws and policies that affect autism children and families.
Here is my take on the results starting with the top of the ticket.
The governor primary was won by Jeff Johnson on the republican side. Jeff came to our Somali autism awareness day in April 2014 where we asked him if he won – what would he do differently and assure autism research was done. He stated he would look into research and support for autism families. I know you are thinking didn’t Dayton promise that in 2010. Yes, here is what candidate Dayton promised back then in which he has done zero, zilch, zip. His health department commissioner has failed Somali autism community. So, why should we trust any politician’s words. Good question and in moving forward, we need better assurance from Johnson that his administration will actually mean what it says and will do what it promises. Personally, I like Jeff who even invited me to be one of the people that introduced him at the MN GOP convention in Rochester earlier this summer. And, as time and campaign happens – we will try to get actual assurance and tangible promise.
Then there was the U.S Senate Race – This one I was extremely disappointed that Rep Jim Abeler lost. Jim who I consider a friend has been a champion for autism advocacy from the day I met him back in 2010. When he was in charge of health and human services finance committee in MN house of reps, he asked MN DHS to look into how autism services were being covered for all kids on the spectrum. Jim is truly one of the main reasons, we passed the autism bill last session at the state capitol. On the other side, Sen Franken already sits on HELP Committee (health, education, labor and pension) and has written zero bills or policy for autism in the six years he has been in office. Yes, he has voted for the autism act in 2011 and autism cares 2014, he even got on the congressional autism caucus and I think sent me a congratulations letter when Sec. Sebelius nominated to the Federal autism committee, but again I see that as nothing big, just pretend work. I think Abeler would’ve made a fantastic senator. There is still hope and we can defeat Franken by sending him back to Saturday Night Live where he belongs.
Then there was the highly contested state representative position between Kahn and Noor. Here – I think Noor lost because he under-estimated the power of autism moms and families. Noor decided to ignore autism issues in our community, has not attended one single autism event and thought he did not need our votes. It turned out that he did. Kahn on the other hand fought dirty and won with tooth and nail. There is one statement she made which was very interesting. Rep Kahn said “some of the district look like me and some look like Noor”. Yes, that is very true, but the question is why are those that look like Noor doing bad in every category of having a high racial health disparity, wide education gap & high unemployment? Furthermore, Rep Kahn has not passed one single legislation that actually uplifted any Somali community member including the child care issue. Sadly, no one will ask or care because we always assume a DFL must represent minority districts. My question for district 60B would be if those representing you now are so good and care about your issues then why are your kids failing in school, and why do you have one of the highest health and economic gaps in the country? Think about it and vote wiser.
Rep Kahn chairs one of the most powerful committees in the house, yet she has failed to uplift one single Somali issue. Kahn also voted to eliminate the MN Autism task force even though Somali kids in district 60B have the highest autism rate in the state. Kahn will always vote with Thissen and Bakk and throw her district’s Somali residents under the bus.
Voting out Rep Kahn in Nov 2014 is the right thing to do.
Thanks!
As usual, above words do not represent any candidate, agency or committee.
Idil – Somali Autism Mom & Minority Advocate