The 2014 elections feature important races for U.S. Senate, U.S. House, Minnesota governor, and Minnesota House of Representatives. The Arc Mower County encourages people with disabilities, their families, and those who provide direct support to educate themselves on the candidates’ stances on issues they are concerned about. Meeting with candidates is also an opportunity to educate them about issues affecting people with disabilities, their families, and employees who provide direct support.

 Questions for state candidates

•Would you support another rate increase for services that help people with disabilities live and participate in their communities?

•What would you do to protect existing services that help people with disabilities and their families live in the community, like employment and independent housing?

•How would you help make health care for those eligible for medical assistance more accessible and affordable?

•What would you do to provide services to the thousands of Minnesotans waiting for them, especially those looking for housing in the community?

•How would you support students with challenging behaviors so they can remain in our local schools?

• How would you ensure that children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder receive services that help them thrive, prepare for jobs, and live more independently?

•How would make the fees that many families pay for their child’s services more affordable?

Questions for federal candidates

•How would you protect Medicaid and Social Security, two lifelines for people with disabilities, from unnecessary budget cuts and make them more sustainable for the future?

•How would you ensure that necessary disability supports to help people live in the community are protected? Do you support raising revenues to do so? If so, which ones?

•Do you support the Keeping All Students Safe Act to reduce the use of seclusion and restraint on our students, including those with disabilities?