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For this month I am choosing to share The Arc of Cass County’s legislative priorities for the upcoming North Dakota legislative session. Our North Dakota priorities focus on wage increases for DSP’s, dedicated funding for public transportation, enhancing legal protection for public transit employees, increase funding for the Section 11 Program, enhance the paid family caregiver program, and finally offer a solution to pay for these increases in funding by advocating for a reform of an oil extraction exemption for certain untaxed ND oil wells.

The Arc of Cass County’s federal advocacy efforts will focus on increasing the funding for state Protection and Advocacy programs, and to recognize DSP’s as a separate Department of Labor occupation. Short descriptions of each of our early focal points are as follows:

1. Increased Funding for DSPs

Increase state funding and reimbursement rates to raise Direct Support Professional wages, improve workforce stability, and ensure high-quality services for people with disabilities.

2. Dedicated State Funding for Urban Public Transportation

Create a reliable state funding source for urban transit systems to maintain services, replace aging vehicles, and improve transportation access for people with disabilities.

3. Enhanced Legal Protections for Public Transit Employees

Strengthen penalties for assaults against transit workers to improve safety and support a secure public transportation environment.

4. Expanding the Section 11 Program

Increase funding for the Section 11 Program so individuals with significant support needs who do not qualify for the DD Waiver can access essential community-based services.

5. Expanding the Paid Family Caregiver Program

Expand the Paid Family Caregiver Program to reduce waitlists and support families who provide critical care while helping address workforce shortages.

6. Reform North Dakota's Stripper Well Tax Exemption

Reform the stripper well tax exemption to recapture lost revenue and help fund disability and community support priorities without raising taxes.

Federal Advocacy Initiatives

1. Increase Federal Funding for Protection and Advocacy Agencies

Increase federal funding for Protection and Advocacy agencies so they can better protect the rights of people with disabilities and meet growing service demands.

2. Support the Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act

Support passage of the Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act to establish DSPs as a distinct occupation and improve workforce data and policy solutions.

Full priorities www.arccassnd.org/directors-corner/ ... See MoreSee Less