Desperate overcorrection from Walz
Despite what the administration may say, a “moratorium” amounts to a cut in the real world. What alternative do providers and families have? Minnesota has never had a sufficient supply of residential providers. A decade ago, I was asked by DHS to conduct a study on this topic and found that residential options were severely limited and underfunded. Nothing, in my opinion, has changed since. Now, the administration wants to reduce it even further, to make itself look tough in a campaign year.
The public should understand that the term “residential services” is an all-encompassing term, much like “health care.” As the article stated, some young people need transition housing, which has repeatedly been proven effective. Persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities can find freedom and empowerment by living in community settings with peers. Individuals with mental health issues can be treated and helped to regain functioning abilities to become productive citizens, wage earners and taxpayers. Individuals with neurodivergent issues like traumatic brain injury, autism, ADHD, dyslexia and Tourette’s can receive the specialized care they need.
Shall we open up large institutions again, where we know from experience that physical and mental abuse was rampant? Are we going to impose additional hardships on elderly parents who may not have the ability or skills to care for their loved ones? What plans does DHS have after the moratorium ends to restore the services lost? Walz built his original gubernatorial campaign on child care issues. Are adults and children with disabilities not equally important to him, or is that a class of people who can be ignored? Tell us, Walz!
Manfred Tatzmann, Brooklyn Park
https://www.startribune.com/readers-write-somali-minnesotans-walzs-response-to-fraud-northstar-line/601542194
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