Minnesota state legislature session is just starting up and guess who already wants to bully autism families? You guessed it – especially if you read this blog….Rep Norton. (The Queen of Autism Minority Disparity)
Norton already wrote legislation HF 2282 in which she wants to dismantle and eliminate Minnesota Autism Task Force. That is right, at a time when UMN and CDC just released their study findings stating our state has one of the highest for Autism in the country, especially for Somali and White Families – Norton wants to screw families even more. To make matters even worse, MN Autism Task Force had no idea that Norton wanted to crumble them. In fact, as recent as couple of weeks ago, Norton asked the task force to accommodate her since she would not be able to come to a meeting. All along, she was working behind their back to dismantle and crumble them. How deceiving and underhanded.
Here are the results of Somali Autism study from UMN & CDC;
In sum – Somalis 1 in 32, Whites 1 in 38, Hispanics 1 in 80 and Black non-Somalis 1 in 62. Utah has the highest in the nation with 1 in 47 and it seems that White and Somali children are even higher than that in Minneapolis. Yet, a Minnesota elected official from Rochester wants to get rid the only state autism task force. Can you imagine that level of disconnect and dismissive arrogance in an ignorant kind of way.
At a time, when Congress is writing a bi-partisan autism legislation with Rep Smith, a Republican from New Jersey (also a high autism prevalence state) and Rep Doyle, a Democrat from PA are collaborating to reauthorize Combat Autism Act, our own local legislators want to dismantle and dismiss the state autism committee. Imagine that as this is an election year, if they don’t understand and support our children’s health – why should they get our votes? Ask yourself!
At a time when IACC is about to release last years autism research summary advances that the Federal autism committee (IACC) voted for which I am happy to say includes the Somali Mpls Autism Prevalence Study – our own elected officials want to ignore, neglect and abandon autism families. Imagine that as you vote this year and pay attention who votes against your child’s health.
At a time, when other states are creating autism committees and task forces to help families and keep up with autism related policies and research – MInn elected officials want to strip you what little that exist and bully autism families by eliminating help. Imagine that and vote for those that support your causes.
Personally, given the long & difficult relationship between Norton and our community in autism and Somali women’s health issues – I am not surprised she would write such bill. I am however very baffled why Rep Nelson, chair of government operations would even entertain such stupid, needless, bully and senseless legislation in a hearing. Bullying is the ability and willingness to bully others because you have the power. HF 2282 is a bully bill towards powerless autism families. Given the hype of anti bullying bill 826, legislators can’t preach one thing while they practice another. All bullying must be stopped even by legislators.
Here is what the autism task force dismantling bill says which is a flat-out lie, deceiving and misleading.
1.6 Section 1. AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER STATEWIDE STRATEGIC PLAN
1.7IMPLEMENTATION.
1.8The autism spectrum disorder statewide strategic plan developed by the Minnesota
1.9Legislative Autism Spectrum Disorder Task Force shall be implemented collaboratively
1.10by the commissioners of education, employment and economic development, health, and
1.11human services. The commissioners shall:
1.12(1) work across state agencies and with key stakeholders to implement the strategic
1.13plan;
1.14(2) prepare progress reports on the implementation of the plan twice per year and
1.15make the progress reports available to the public; and
1.16(3) provide two opportunities per year for interested parties, including, but not limited
1.17to, family members of individuals with autism spectrum disorder, underserved and diverse
1.18communities impacted by autism spectrum disorder, medical professionals, health plans,
1.19service providers, and schools, to provide input on the implementation of the strategic plan.
1.20 Sec. 2. REPEALER. (Minn Autism Task Force Elimination)
1.21Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 9, article 6, section 95, subdivisions 1,
1.222, 3, and 4, are repealed.
Thanks!
Above words do not reflect any committee, candidate or agency.
Idil – Somali Autism Mom & Minority Advocate