NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
TWIN CITIES, MN PERMIT NO. 4766
Volume 33, Number 12
December 2022
WWW.ACCESSPRESS.ORG
Be prepared with winter’s chilly arrival
NEWS DIGEST
The arrival of winter weather in Minnesota means it’s time to act and have our needs met. Some of us might remember sitting around the radio or TV on winter mornings, listening for school to be canceled. Today’s weather information is relayed through numerous phone alerts and apps, helping everyone track changing weather conditions, approaching storms and local snow emergencies. Have a plan to get timely information.
NAMI Minnesota awards Page 6
Sidewalk safety
Energy assistance available
Rising energy bills on top of other soaring household costs are causing stress for many households. Minnesota's Cold Weather Rule is a state law that protects residential utility customers from having electric or natural gas service shut off between October 1 and April 30. To protect service from disconnection, consumers must make and keep up with a payment plan that the utility agrees to. A payment plan can be set up at any time the Cold Weather Rule is in effect. Protection under the rule is available to home owners and to renters who pay their own heating utilities. All natural gas and electric utilities must offer protection under the Cold Weather Rule. The rule doesn’t apply to delivered fuels; oil and propane or wood. But if a furnace that operates on delivered WINTER To page 4
Event accommodations are needed Page 2 The umpire isn’t blind but … Page 4 PACER honors Hulden Page 7 Holiday music is here Page 10
LBSA
Getting around after snowy weather can be challenging, especially for people with disabilities who don’t drive. The fear of falling and sustaining serious or fatal injuries because someone didn’t clear snow and ice from sidewalks, steps or curb ramps is all too real. Most communities have a set time limit for when snow and ice must be removed from sidewalks and curb ramps, so check websites to see what the rules are in a particular community. The clock usually starts ticking when the snow or sleet stop falling, with a 24 to 48-hour time limit. Fines can be assessed to those who don’t clear paths in a timely manner and violators should be reported. Communities typically put this information on their websites. People with disabilities can contact Disability Hub to ask about snow removal resources. Elders can check with the Senior Linkage Line. Be aware there may be costs associated with snow removal referrals. In St. Paul, a group of volunteers called the Saintly City Snow Angels can help people with disabilities with free snow removal. The group is in need of volunteers. Contact the group through Facebook, at https://www.facebook.com/ groups/108305797824732 Other cities may have block nurse groups or community services groups that can provide snow removal help. Salt, sand, clay cat litter or deicers should be kept on hand for home sidewalks, ramps and steps. Some cities give away sand but it must be picked up at a public works facility.
Clark announces book Page 5
Laura Baker Millis and Laura Baker
Laura Baker's namesake school left a long-lasting legacy Much has changed since 1897, when the words “nervous” and “backward” were used to describe children with disabilities. The Laura Baker Services Association (LBSA), one of Minnesota’s oldest disability service organizations, is celebrating its 125th year at its annual gala is December 3. The association has grown into a diverse
nonprofit, helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities lead meaningful and productive lives. It has continued its commitment to education while offering many other services to children and adults with disabilities in the Northfield area. That includes education LEGACY To page 3
Changes afoot at Minnesota Legislature, cabinet by Jane McClure Lots of new faces and familiar faces in new roles will greet self-advocates when the Minnesota Legislature convenes in January. With DFL majorities entering both the House and Senate, and the re-election of DFL Gov. Tim Walz, it’s the first time since 2014 that one party has controlled at three branches of state government. But the majorities are slim and with years of pent-up demand for program and spending asks, anything could happen. Change afoot at four state departments is also being eyed. A big loss for Minnesotans with disabilities is Department of Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm’s decision to not seek reappointment. Malcolm’s legacy include years of service to Minnesotans with disabilities. The November 8 election triggered a flurry of activity for disability advocacy groups and self-advocates. Many are hurrying to get bill language in before the Christmas holidays. Before the election, the Minnesota Legislature was already facing its greatest turnover since 1972. While many disability-focused bills for past years are being brought back in 2023, not all bill authors are returning. There’s also the wait to find out if there will be changes in House and Senate committee structures, and committee leadership.
Jan Malcolm There are also the numbers games with House and Senate membership. The Senate flipped from Republican to DFL control, but only by a 34-33 margin. In the House, the DFL margin went from 71-63 to 70-64. Leadership changes were announced right after the election. Rep. Melissa Hortman (DFL-Brooklyn Park) returns as House speaker designee. Rep. Jamie Long (DFL Minneapolis) is tabbed to be majority leader. Rep. Lisa DeMuth (R- Cold Spring) will be the new minority leader.
The incoming Senate majority leader is Sen. Kari Dziedzic (DFL-Minneapolis). Sen. Bobby Joe Champion, another Minneapolis DFLer, will be president of the Senate. Sen John Marty (DFLRoseville) will be chair of finance, and Sen. Ann Rest (DFL-New Hope) will be tax chair. Sen. Mark Johnson (R-East Grand Forks) will be minority leader. As Access Press reached the deadline for this issue, other committee leadership and any changes in committee structure hadn’t been announced. Work continues on legislative agendas. The Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MNCCD) hoped to wrap up its work soon. The Minnesota Council on Disability hosts its 2023 legislative forum, noon to 2 p.m. Friday, December 16. The event will be virtual. Learn about the council’s legislative agenda, hear elected officials and their thoughts on disability policy, and learn from citizen advocates. Sign up through the state council web page, at https://www.disability.state.mn.us/ Rally days are also being planned, with many groups hoping to return to inperson or hybrid events. Walz announced his cabinet November 15. Although most leaders are returning, Malcolm’s decision to retire will be deeply felt. She guided the state through the CHANGE To page 3