It’s picnic time again.

Autumn has begun and with it comes The Arc of Mower County’s annual member picnic.

The picnic is our big  event for all of our members, friends, families and supporters and features food, games and fun for the whole  family.

We will provide the hot dogs and drinks. If your last name begins with A through M, please bring a dessert and if your last name begins with N through Z, please bring a hot dish.

Don’t miss out on this fun opportunity to catch up with old friends, meet new people, and celebrate the work of The Arc of Mower County.

E-mail office@arcmowercounty.org or call (507) 433-8994 Ext. 102 to register by Thursday.

Ten percent rate cut for low-need individuals takes effect Oct. 1

On Oct. 1, a 10 percent cut to the service rate for 3,600 low-needs individuals living in corporate foster care will go into effect. This cut was included in the state health and human services bill approved in July.

Counties had an opportunity to review a preliminary list of individuals, and they had to share the results of their review by Sept. 15 with the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS).

DHS will review these comments and then will issue notices to those receiving the 10 percent cut sometime next week. Individuals do have the right to appeal this reduction in service if they feel this creates health and safety issues or that their assessment was not accurate.

Twenty percent relative PCA caregiver cut update

On Aug. 8, The Arc Minnesota sent a letter to DHS Commissioner Lucinda Jesson, expressing our concern about the harm caused by the harsh cut in wages to people who provide PCA services to relatives.

She responded on Aug. 24 that this was a difficult cut and to fix it would require an additional $24 million.

During a WCCO-TV interview at the Minnesota State Fair, an audience member asked Gov. Mark Dayton about this issue, and he responded that he felt bad about this legislation and would work to fix it during the next legislative session.

Unfortunately this legislation goes into effect Oct. 1, and it will be impossible to stop it from being implemented before then.  We are continuing to receive stories about people who are harmed by this legislation. Please send your stories to Anni Simons at asimons@arcmn.org.

Upcoming Events

Tuesday: The Down Syndrome Connection Picnic

Wednesday: Special Olympics Bowling from 4:00 – 5:30 at Echo Lanes and Open Center, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Thursday: Cooking for Comfort, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Friday: Diners Club at Pizza Ranch, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Saturday: Adopt-A-Highway, from 9 a.m. to noon and the annual member picnic, from 4 to 6:30 p.m.