Advocacy, Access, and Moving Forward Together
As the 2026 legislative session comes to a close, we want to take a moment to thank the many staff, families, providers, and community members who took time to advocate for autism services across Minnesota this year.
Over the past several months, proposals discussed within SF4476 raised significant concerns for EIDBI providers, families, and the broader autism community. Throughout the legislative process, individuals across the state shared their stories, contacted legislators, participated in advocacy alerts, and helped elevate the importance of protecting access to medically necessary autism services and long-term provider sustainability.
At MAC Midwest, we believe advocacy matters because these decisions directly impact children, families, staff, and the future availability of services across Minnesota communities.
While we are encouraged that several major concerns raised throughout the session, including proposed EIDBI billing limits and certain Observation & Direction changes, were ultimately not included in the final conference committee legislation, important discussions are still ongoing. The final legislation continues to contain operational and compliance-related language that providers, advocates, and lobbyists believe will require additional review and discussion before portions of the law are enacted on January 1, 2027.
Because of this, continued advocacy will remain incredibly important moving forward.
Stay Connected Through VoterVoice
One of the most effective ways to stay informed and engaged in future advocacy efforts is through VoterVoice.
If you are enrolled in VoterVoice updates, you may receive:
- Emails or text messages encouraging you to contact legislators
- Pre-written advocacy messages
- Requests to share personal stories or experiences related to EIDBI services
Participation in advocacy efforts is completely voluntary. Many individuals choose to participate because legislative decisions can directly impact access to care, workforce support, employment, provider stability, and the availability of services for children and families across Minnesota.
As additional legislative conversations continue into future sessions, we encourage anyone interested in supporting access to autism services to stay connected and informed through VoterVoice notifications.
You can sign up for advocacy alerts here:
https://www.casproviders.org/advocacy-and-public-policy?vvsrc=%2fRegister
MAC Midwest’s Ongoing Advocacy Efforts
MAC Midwest is proud to be an active member of the Autism Treatment Association of Minnesota (ATAM), an organization focused on supporting quality autism services, advocating for responsible policy, and strengthening access to care across Minnesota. Jennifer Diederich, MAC Midwest’s Chief Compliance Officer, currently serves as Treasurer for ATAM’s Board of Directors.
As part of this work, MAC Midwest remains highly involved in ongoing legislative and policy discussions related to autism services and EIDBI. Jen frequently works alongside providers, legislators, advocacy organizations, and state leaders at the Minnesota State Capitol to help share provider perspectives and support informed decision-making around autism care and service delivery.
This work includes meeting with legislators, participating in policy discussions, presenting information, testifying, and helping lawmakers better understand the realities facing providers, staff, and families across Minnesota communities.
At MAC Midwest, we believe strong providers play an important role in helping shape the future of autism services. We are committed to supporting thoughtful advocacy efforts, responsible oversight, quality care, and long-term sustainability for the children and families who rely on these services every day.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who has shared their voice throughout this process. Advocacy is not a one-time event, and the conversations happening today will continue shaping the future of autism services in Minnesota for years to come.
Thank you for continuing to stand alongside the families, learners, and communities we serve.
