Our team was proud to be present for two impactful days at the Minnesota State Capitol, joining advocates from across the state to elevate the voices of the communities we serve.
Day 1, March 23rd – MSSA Day at the Capitol
Hosted by the Minnesota Social Service Association, this day focused on case management services and brought together social service professionals to discuss critical policy priorities, including protecting Medicaid access and modernizing waiver case management.
Our staff participated in legislative meetings and policy discussions centered on strengthening systems through thoughtful, data-driven solutions. A consistent theme throughout the day was the importance of “good government”, legislators who listen, engage, and take action.
As Katie Elleraas shared, “What is good government? It’s legislators that listen, that ask questions, that literally schedule ‘to do’s’ in their calendars while you’re walking them through a bill because they want to learn more. It’s engagement and respect and accountability.”
We experienced this firsthand in conversations with leaders like Patty Acomb and Ann Johnson Stewart, who demonstrated a genuine commitment to understanding challenges and exploring meaningful solutions. As Katie also emphasized, strengthening our social service system requires data-driven decision-making and a thoughtful process, “a workgroup to discover and understand root causes and create solutions, not upending whole systems.”
Day 2, March 24th – Disability Services Day at the Capitol
MORA showed up strong for Disability Services Day, hosted by ARRM. This powerful and energizing event brought together self-advocates, families, providers, and partners, all united around a shared mission: ensuring legislators understand the real-life impact of their decisions.
The Capitol was filled with energy, especially during the Rally in the Rotunda. As Michelle Kush shared, “I spent an incredible day at the Capitol for Advocacy in Action. It was a privilege to join self-advocates, families, and providers to ensure our legislators understand the real-world impact of the policies they debate.” She also described the atmosphere as “buzzing with energy,” reflecting the strong sense of purpose and unity felt throughout the day.
We are incredibly grateful to our staff, board members, families, and the individuals we serve who joined us for this special day. Your presence made the experience even more meaningful and powerful.
Throughout the day, our team continued important conversations with legislators, including Patty Acomb, Ann Johnson Stewart, Heather Keeler, Ronald Latz, and Mary Frances Clardy, reinforcing key priorities like protecting Medicaid and strengthening services across Minnesota.
Reflecting on both days, Katie shared, “I feel so lucky and privileged to have been a part of two amazing days in our state capital… we all do better when we all do better.”
Days like these fuel our passion and remind us why advocacy matters. We are honored to stand alongside so many dedicated changemakers, working together to advance dignity, choice, and inclusion for all.
