The Minnesota legislature is currently considering potential budget cuts to disability waiver services. These changes threaten the stability of providers and future services for people with disabilities.

We need your voice. Letters to the editor are a powerful way to educate the public. When your story appears in a local paper, it helps your neighbors—and your legislators—understand the real impact of these decisions.

Some guidance on writing letters:

1. Current pieces of legislation are not passed, just what is currently being considered by the Human Services Committees in the House and Senate and the Governor's office.

2. Keep letters around 200-300 words

3. Be personal! Share stories (see below)

4. Don't get into the weeds on legislation. Talk about your organization/staff, the work you do and why it matters to keep that work safe from cuts.

5. Shift the focus away from legislators and toward the impacts of constituents across Minnesota.

Personalize the story

Help readers understand why this matters. You could mention:

• A client or family affected (no names or private details!)

• The impact on staffing, turnover, or morale

• Your organization’s efforts to stay afloat, how these changes could impact the organization as a whole

• What you fear might happen if cuts go through