2022 State Legislative Priorities

Access to Mental Health Resources

PACER supports increasing student access to equitable and appropriate mental health approaches, services, and supports in and out of school.

Students’ Academic Recovery from COVID-Related Learning Loss

PACER supports efforts to ensure that students with disabilities can access all necessary supports and services needed to continue making academic progress and recover from COVID-related educational losses.

Paid Training for Paraprofessionals

PACER supports funding for paraprofessionals to receive paid orientation and professional development that will enable them to better support the individual needs of students with disabilities. Providing paid opportunities for paraprofessionals to receive training and meet with students’ teachers will be beneficial to students, teachers and paraprofessionals.

Decreasing Exclusionary Discipline Practices

PACER supports legislation that decreases the use of suspensions, exclusions, and expulsions and other disciplinary practices that neither meet the needs of students nor promote a positive school culture.

Ensuring Equitable Funding for Special Education

PACER seeks increased funding to ensure that the nearly 20% of Minnesota students who qualify for special education services are well prepared for full inclusion in employment, housing, and all aspects of community life.

Reduction of Parental Fees for Medical Assistance TEFRA and Waiver Programs

PACER supports reduction of fees to families eligible for services under the Medical Assistance TEFRA and waiver programs. These high fees cause financial stress, resulting in many families not accessing important home and community-based services that are extremely beneficial to children’s health and development.