Take Action!
We Need Change-You Can Help!
Hammer & NER are joining other disability services providers in urging our State Legislature to take long overdue action in approving legislation to address critical funding needs for disability services, including increasing pay rates for support direct care staff. In fact, the House and Senate both have bills to inject critical funding into the Disability Waiver Rate System.
The 2022 election ushered in dozens of NEW legislators to the State House. They need to hear from their constituents (that’s YOU and your loved one) about the critical need to make disability waiver services a top priority. Please reach out to your district representative via email or, better yet, a handwritten note. Ask them to support the “Disability Waiver Rate System House File 999 and Senate File 1015.”
You can also invite your representative to visit your loved one’s home. Our Director of Advocacy, Mary Gaasch, can make the arrangements for a visit so please share her email with your legislator: MaryG@hammer.org
Tell Your Story
Hammer & NER is hosting a virtual training session with some tips for corresponding with your district legislators and/or joining us for Disabilities Services Day at the Capitol March 28.
March 22 at 3:00 p.m.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87056923370?pwd=WGxSeThOdnJkQUFEdzZFTENQTlJyUT09
Meeting ID: 870 5692 3370
Passcode: 282857
The training is open for families, staff, and the individuals we support. Come with your questions and leave with some effective advocacy tools!
Town Hall Gatherings
Another great way to connect with your district legislators is to attend their town halls, both in YOUR own district, as well as the district where your loved one resides.
Attending is so helpful in raising awareness about the needs of our disabilities community and our disability services community.
Please forward information about town halls to Mary Gaasch and ask for any support you need. She will attend the town halls whenever possible.
Join us for Disabilities Services Day at the Capitol!
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, March 28 when Hammer & NER joins other disabilities services providers at the Minnesota State Capitol! This is a great opportunity for people we serve and their families along with our staff and volunteers to meet with our legislators and advocate for additional state funding and support. The day includes a “Rally in the Rotunda” of the Capitol and smaller meetings with our legislators. Hammer & NER are chartering buses from our west and east metro Central Offices. Please encourage your loved one to attend. We will provide everyone with a box lunch.
To sign up please reach out to our Director of Advocacy & Community Relations, Mary Gaasch at: MaryG@hammer.org
Join Us. Your Voice Matters!