Legislative Day 2009 - A Smashing Success!

Deaf, hard of hearing and deafblind Minnesotans from across the state turned out in large numbers on Wed. March 4th along with family, friends and supporters to lobby against cuts to vital programs and services and to support this year’s bills being carried or supported by MCDHH. Close to 200 attended the training and 500 plus attended the rally.

Legislators met with constituents throughout the day and attended the rally and awards ceremony. They were impressed that during a time of economic woes, our community managed to find reason to celebrate and have hope. And celebrate we did!

We celebrated changemakers who give us reason to hope. Our community is no stranger to tough times or to overcoming barriers that would cause many to give up. Our community is full of people who use their skills, knowledge and influence to fight for what is right – equal access and equal opportunity. Being a “changemaker” was the focus of this year’s Deaf, Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind Lobby Day rally and awards ceremony.

Our most sincere thanks to all the MANY volunteers, individuals and organizations who helped to make this day an overwhelming success!

Lobby Day Highlights

Morning Advocacy Training

Welcome to Lobby Day 2009

• Mary Hartnett & Cynthia Weitzel of MCDHH

Welcome Citizen Advocates

• Representative Larry Hosch

Budget for this Session – “The Big Picture”

• Nan Madden of Minnesota Budget Project

Meeting with your Legislator

• Marcia Avner, Parent & MN Council of Nonprofits

2009 Legislation – New Bills

• Outcomes for Kids – Mary Hartnett
• Accessible Technology and Websites – Mary Hartnett
• Type III Bus Law – Sean Virnig and Alison Porter
• Protect Tax Exemptions for Nonprofits – Cynthia Weitzel

Preserve Existing Programs and Services

• EHDI
• Deaf Mentors – Toni Fairbanks
• Parent Guides and Hearing Aid Loaner Bank – C. Lindow Davies
• DeafBlind SSPs, Interveners and Supports – Ade Haugen
• Employment and Transition
• VECTOR – Kathy Manlapas
• MEC – Jennifer Anderson

Access at the Capitol

• Jamie Taylor of MCDHH

12noon Rally – State Capitol Rotunda

Welcome

• Emcee Elise Knopf, Chair of MCDHH

Guest Speakers

• Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher
• Senate Minority Leader Dave Senjem
• House Minority Leader Marty Seifert
• Senator Ann Rest
• Secretary of State Mark Ritchie

Awards Ceremony

Most Accessible Campaign of 2008: Al Franken

Lifetime Achievement and Leadership Award: Marty Barnum

Community Organizer Awards:

• Alicia Lane-Outlaw and Richard Taylor: TCDeaf.com
• Sonny Wasilowski: Deafminnesota.com
• Ade Haugen: DBM (DeafBlind MN Listserv)
• Candace Lindow Davies: Minnesota Hands and Voices

Civil Service and Civic Engagement Awards:

• Advocacy & Civil Service: John Gross of MN Dept. of Commerce
• Civic Engagement: Teika Pakalns and Trudy Suggs
• Agency Partner: Governor’s Council on Developmental Disability
• Voting Access: Minnesota Office of the Secretary of State
• Exemplary Access: The Legislative Coordinating Commission
• Website Access: MN Legislative Networking Group

National Association of Secretaries of State Medallion Award
Presented by Secretary of State, Mark Ritchie, to:

• Reverend Emory Dively and Trudy Suggs