The recent legislative session has left many emotions and negative feelings among our membership and supporters.
What we best not forget is the greatest grassroots effect that we, together, have ever pulled off.
I vividly remember six years ago, when a group of leaders from MOHR and the former MnDACA group sat in a room to decide how we could work closely. A main focus was to think about the potential strength that a statewide organization could have.
Every corner of Minnesota has legislators, and, if we could garner their support, we would have real power. A group of professional leaders representing thousands of persons served could have a great impact.
As I reflect back on my time as president of MOHR, I can honestly say that this “stop the 7 percent cut” campaign was one of the proudest moments for me. I know we were not successful, but we did not lose!
What did we do? We made our issue every legislator’s issue. No one could hide from us. We were relentless. We came together to stand up for those who could not speak.
I am frustrated like many of you over the results, but I am determined to never to give up. For over 30 years I have been getting up in the morning to make a difference in someone’s life, and that did not change with a governor’s veto. My passion and drive did not change because the system has punched me again.
MOHR will be here to stand up for all providers in the tough times to come. Your membership will do everything in its power to help and support all of you going forward. MOHR members are winners, and the individuals we serve and their families are going to benefit from our continued work.
Mike Burke, president of MOHR
