Accessibility menu
State Representative Kathy Lohmer
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4244
For more information contact: House GOP Communications 651-296-5520
HOUSE BRIEFS
E-Mail Update: Meetings with the Governor
Dear Neighbors,
Last week was very productive in the House, as we spent all day on the floor debating and enhancing bills that will make Minnesota an even greater place to live, work, and raise a family.
I participated in two very productive meetings with Governor Dayton. First, we, along with MnDOT Commissioner Sorel, discussed costs related to the new St. Croix River Crossing.
The governor was very supportive of the project, and he wanted to assure me that he is advocating on behalf of Oak Park Heights and promises that he will make certain that they are treated fairly during the funding process.
We are currently waiting for results on a study to determine the actual costs of the project. I have secured $1 million in the bonding bill, but we do need to know the accurate numbers in order to move forward.
The governor and I also honestly and openly discussed my autism campus bill. As I have mentioned in former updates, the proposed campus model would include acreage, a school, educational and vocational opportunities, with an appropriate sensory environment for children with severe autism. It would also provide 24-hour supervision, therapeutic programming, as well as independent living skills, socialization, and vocational skills.
The problems we face stem from philosophical differences the Health Department has with facilities larger than 4-bedroom group homes, and the fear of returning to “institutionalization.”
This is not the intent, and the families whose children need another option do not currently have any choice. The bill currently gives the Health Department funding to study this population and their needs. I am hopeful that there will be implementation of this idea next year.
If you would have a further interest into examples of facilities in other states, please check the following sites: Camphill Special School in Glenmoore, Pennsylvania (www.camphillspecialschool.org), Chileda Institute in La Cross, Wisconsin (www.chileda.org), Bittersweet Farms in Whitehouse, Ohio (www.bittersweetfarms.org), and The Homestead in Altoona, Iowa (www.thehomestead.org). These facilities aren’t “institutions,” but very healthy and helpful environments for children with severe autism.
I have spoken with families who have children with severe autism, and these people experience and live with extreme struggles day in and day out. They know what they need, and there is resounding support for a campus model as a choice.
(To learn more, follow this link to Dr. Sheryl Grassie’s website.)
This week promises to be busy and challenging as we attempt to get more reform legislation passed. I am very disappointed to report that Governor Dayton vetoed many bills last week, including Senator Lillie and my bill to disallow union dues to be taken from day care providers who receive subsidies from the CCAP program. Fortunately, a judge has ruled that the Governor overstepped his authority in attempting to unionize all private, home-based childcare providers.
As always, please feel free to contact me at any time. I am here to serve you, and I am privileged to have that honor.
Have a great week,
Kathy
News Items
- Community Update: Lily Lake Safety Concerns - (Posted: 2012-08-22 00:00:00)
- GOV. SIGNS REP. LOHMER'S HUMAN SERVICES EXPANSION BILL FOR CHILDREAN WHO ARE DEAF, DEAFBLIND, OR HARD OF HEARING - (Posted: 2012-07-02 00:00:00)
- E-Mail Update: Happy Fourth of July! - (Posted: 2012-06-26 00:00:00)
- Archived News Items
- Subscribe to RSS News Feeds
- Read more about RSS.