Advocate for Employment Programs

Use the email and phone scripts below and let legislators know you reject cuts to IPS base funding.

To find your legislative representative, enter your home address into this state website. Anyone, even if they aren’t an eligible or active voter, can and should contact their representatives. Their decisions impact everyone in Minnesota.

Sample Letter or Email

Subject: Urgent Action Needed: Protecting Employment Services in Minnesota

Dear Senator/Representative [NAME],

My name is [NAME], and I am a constituent in your district. I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the proposed funding cuts to Individual Placement and Support (IPS) employment programs and to urge you to take immediate action to protect these vital services.

[Insert your story or a specific example of why this issue is so important to you. If you do not have a personal story you wish to share, you can include the following paragraph:]

Employment is a crucial component of recovery and well-being for individuals living with mental illness. The Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model is an effective, evidence-based approach to supported employment. It significantly increases the likelihood of obtaining and retaining employment, boosts income and improves quality of life. However, funding for IPS programs is in jeopardy, and potential cuts could drastically reduce access to these vital services. Supporting IPS programs not only empowers individuals with mental illness but also strengthens our communities.

Specifically, I am asking for your consideration of the following adjustments to HF2441:

Reallocate existing one-time funds: These funds could be strategically used to extend current services into future years, providing immediate relief and stability.
Redirect small increases in other DEED programs: Even modest adjustments to the budgets of other Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) programs could collectively preserve all existing IPS client services.
Require DEED to increase referrals to trusted Community Rehab Providers (CRPs): CRPs like Guild offer high-quality support at a lower cost, providing a cost-effective solution to maintain service levels.

IPS programs currently serve 1,100 Minnesotans per year. If H2441 passes in its current form, more than 600 Minnesotans will lose services. The proposed adjustments above would ensure these essential services remain intact without increasing state spending and without negatively impacting taxpayers.

I am proud to support organizations like Guild, which provides invaluable services to thousands of individuals in our community. I urge you to prioritize the protection and expansion of IPS programs. These funds support over 1,000 Minnesotans across 44 counties with serious mental illness, helping them find and keep employment.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Mailing Address]

Sample Phone Script

Hello Senator/Representative [NAME],

My name is [NAME], and I am a constituent in your district, residing at [MAILING ADDRESS].

I am calling to express my deep concern regarding the proposed funding cuts to Individual Placement and Support (IPS) employment programs and to urge you to take immediate action to protect these vital services.

Specifically, I am asking for your consideration of the following adjustments to HF2441:

Reallocate existing one-time funds to extend current services into future years, providing immediate relief and stability.
Redirect small increases in other DEED programs to preserve all existing IPS client services.
Require DEED to increase referrals to trusted Community Rehab Providers (CRPs) who offer support at a lower cost.

I urge you to prioritize the protection of IPS programs. These funds support over 1,000 Minnesotans across 44 counties with serious mental illness, helping them find and keep employment.

Thank you for your time.