Prinsburg – In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, providers of adult day services for the disabled have received no financial assistance from the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Rep. Tim Miller (Republican-Prinsburg) offered his reaction to the situation.
“Adult day service providers allow individuals with disabilities to access employment, achieve personal development, and be productive members of society,” said Rep. Miller. “I have spoken with service providers in my district who have been shut down indefinitely and are on the brink of collapse. These providers have received no help from the Department of Human Services and the Walz Administration. This is shocking and intolerable.”
Programming and activities organized by adult day service providers have been suspended due to the pandemic.
“The suspension of adult day services has harmed individuals with disabilities and caused many providers to face permanent closure,” said Rep. Miller. “The Walz Administration must address this now.”
Thirty-five states have received waivers from the federal government which permit the use of federal funds to support adult day service providers. However, Minnesota has not applied for this waiver. Furthermore, the Walz Administration failed to prioritize a proposal from the Minnesota Senate which provided funding for adult day service providers.
“I have sent a letter to Commissioner Jodi Harpstead of the Department of Human Services to demand answers on this issue,” said Rep. Miller. “People with disabilities depend on adult day service providers. Without these providers, many people will see their quality of life deteriorate. The responsibility to support our providers rests with the Walz Administration. Inaction on this front is unacceptable. ”
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Letter to DHS Commissioner