2026 Legislative Agenda

Together with disabled leaders, self-advocates, parents and family members, coalition partners, and other allies, we will work to advance policy solutions that create positive systems and social change. Through public policy work, we can:

  • Promote and protect the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
  • Advance equity
  • Support true belonging in community
Large crowd gathered inside a rotunda at the Minnesota State Capitol, with people standing on multiple levels and looking down at speakers below.

State Advocacy

1. Waiver Reimagine
  • Upon implementation of Waiver Reimagine and individual budgets, no waiver recipient shall see more than a 10% reduction from their pre-Waiver Reimagine budget level.
2. Inclusive Playgrounds
  • All children should play side-by-side. Investing in bonding projects that help build safe, inclusive playgrounds across the state will result in long-term, positive benefits for all. It will help children with disabilities foster true belonging in community from an early age.
3. Elimination of subminimum wage
  • The state of Minnesota must phase out 14(c) subminimum wage certificates, segregated employment, and other employment-related policies that discriminate against disabled people. The state has already made wise investments to support lead agencies, case managers, and providers to transition away from subminimum wage. Now is the time to correct decades of discrimination by supporting fair wages for disabled people and ensure they have equal opportunity to work in integrated environments at competitive wages, in jobs that meet their skills and interests.
4. Seclusion ban
  • Students with disabilities have a right to the same educational opportunities as their nondisabled peers in safe supportive schools. Encouraging schools to use preventative practices, rather than seclusion can ensure students’ needs are met without the use of restrictive procedures.

Federal Advocacy

Protect Medicaid
  • Medicaid pays for essential services that many people with disabilities need every day, like personal care, therapies, and support to live at home and be part of their community.
  • Without Medicaid, many people would lose access to needed care and could be forced into more restrictive settings, limiting their independence and quality of life.
Protect Section 504
  • Section 504 protects the civil rights of people with disabilities by making sure schools, healthcare, and public programs are accessible and free from discrimination.
  • Without Section 504, people with disabilities could face more barriers to education, services, and everyday activities that others can access.
Protect Disability Services
  • Disability services provide the support people need to live, work, and be part of their communities, including help with daily activities, employment, and housing.
  • Without these services, many people could lose independence and stability, making it harder to stay in their homes, keep jobs, and participate in everyday life.

Support Agenda

  1. Minnesota Equal Rights Amendment
  2. Require that school safety plans address the unique needs of students with disabilities during a crisis
  3. Disability rights in prisons
  4. State Plan Basic Income
    • Guaranteed basic income would provide direct cash payments of at least $500 per month for 18 to 24 months to eligible recipients around the state. It is a tool that would help lift people with disabilities into economic success, and Minnesota should continue to expand based on successful pilot programs in St. Paul and Minneapolis.
  5. Require Require insurance companies to cover Augmentative and Alternative Communications (AAC) Devices
  6. Our Future Starts at Home
    • This constitutional amendment would create state housing funds that:
      • Reduce disparities
      • Support community-based solutions
      • Improve the condition of homes
      • Increase accessibility

b. The funds put communities and people with lived experience, including people with disabilities, at the center. Disabled Minnesotans will benefit from dedicated and consistent funding in housing.

Other Legislative Work

  1. Monitoring
    • Seclusion Working Group, engaging via Coalition for Children with Disabilities (CCD)
    • Advisory Task Force on Waiver Reimagine
    • Blue Ribbon Commission on Special Education
  2. The Arc Minnesota has three appointees on the Long-Term Services and Supports Advisory Group:
    • A person with a disability living independently
    • A person with a disability living in CRS
    • A parent of a person with a disability
  3. Representation on the Governor’s Advisory Council on Early Childhood Education and Care

Do you want to get involved and support our advocacy work this session? Join The Arc Minnesota Capitol Connectors Teams!

Find out who represents you in the Minnesota State House of Representatives and Minnesota Senate. Enter your home address into this District Finder to learn more about your legislators.

You can find a full list of Minnesota legislators here.

Explore the Minnesota legislature’s website here.

2026 Legislative Agenda

Past Legislative Agendas