DELLWOOD – State Rep. Matt Dean, R-Dellwood, recently was recognized by the Minnesota Organization for Habilitation and Rehabilitation with a Certificate of Appreciation for his years of work in advocating for people with disabilities in the Minnesota Legislature.
“I can’t think of a better example of an individual who has supported us consistently in the disability community,” said Kevin Goodno, a lobbyist and attorney with Fredrikson & Byron in St. Paul. “Not only in front of everybody else, but behind closed doors where it really counts.”
The House member served as chair of the Health and Human Services Finance Committee. He spoke briefly at the MOHR Legislative Conference in Alexandria held in late August.
“It's a fact that people with disabilities are often the last people to get funds, the last people to get help,” Dean said. “You’re doing great work on behalf of people with disabilities and their families. You do it because you love it, and for the people you serve.”
John Wayne Barker, a MOHR board member and executive director of Merrick, said Dean has always made himself available to people with disabilities in his district and service providers.
“He’s focused on our concerns, asked thoughtful questions and has held the Department of Human Services accountable for its actions,” Barker said.
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