Behind every vote are real Minnesotans.

My husband quit his job to care for our 15-year-old foster son, who is nonverbal and autistic. Our pay was cut more than 60% — now we can’t even afford the car rides to state parks that bring him joy. These kids didn’t choose this life. They deserve better than being just another person in a corporate bed.

I’ve been a provider for 17 years. One of my residents has been with me that entire time. I’ve had to let my staff go and look for outside work just to get by — but I can’t close my doors. They are family in need.

I care for adults with significant medical and behavioral needs in my own home, around the clock. If these cuts stand, homes will close and people who depend on the security of a family setting will be uprooted.

One of our residents was reduced from $431 to $254 a day — a 41% cut. At that rate we can’t meet staffing and licensing standards. If we can’t keep the placement, the state pays far more for a corporate setting. This isn’t cost savings; it’s cost shifting.

I license family and corporate child foster care. Tiering these rates will push children who need out-of-home placement toward institutions. DHS says it’s only about 51 youth — but for those 51, it changes the trajectory of their lives. They deserve a public servant who cares.

Thank you for all your help. With your latest effort, my stomach can un-knot for a spell — and my person can rest easy. He’s been asking me to adopt him so he won’t have to go to a group home.