Phoenix Rallies at Day at the Capitol
Advocates joined together for support of disability services.
This week, The Phoenix Residence, along with many other disability organizations, filled the Rotunda at the Minnesota State Capitol to rally for support of disability services. This annual day of advocacy brought together more than 1,000 direct care staff, managers, family members, and individuals from across the state to convince legislators that we need their support.
The day started out with advocates filling the Rotunda for the rally, which included several legislators speaking in support of our field. Among the speakers, Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan showed their commitment to disability services.
Not able to make it the rally? Our trade association, ARRM, streamed the entire rally on Facebook! View the live stream here.
After the rally, individuals and staff members met with their legislators to share their stories and talk with them about why their support for disability services is critical. Many constituents also shared their concerns about what could happen if they did not have their support: the closing of their home and misplacement of these vulnerable adults—a crisis that already is starting to happen throughout the state.
Phoenix advocates met with nearly all our senators and representatives for a total of over 20 meetings.
This year’s legislation built upon the 2019 investments of the Competitive Workforce Factor. Our trade association, ARRM, introduced legislation focusing on increased wages and benefits for Direct Support Professionals in Minnesota. Learn more about their legislation here.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for ARRM Day at the Capitol! To view more photos from ARRM Day at the Capitol, visit our Facebook page.
