Judge says state’s plan to reform disability services fails

Published 9:07 am Thursday, May 7, 2015

MINNEAPOLIS — A federal judge is threatening to impose sanctions against the state of Minnesota over its plan to reform services for disabled residents.

It’s the second time in eight months that Judge Donovan Frank has admonished state officials for the lack of progress on increasing the number of people receiving services in community settings instead of institutions.

In a ruling Wednesday, Frank said the state’s revised plan fails to meet his earlier demands for precise and measurable goals. Eight state agencies have had input on the plan which has failed to win the court’s approval three times.

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Frank warned of sanctions if the delays continue. He is giving the state until July 10 to submit a revised plan.