DFL senators hear how cuts will affect average Minnesotans

State Senate Democrats spent Thursday afternoon hearing testimony from scores of people about how an all-cuts solution to the state's budget crisis would impact their lives.

Linda Gendreau said she's had to make a career of caring for her 39-year-old son after a car accident left him with a severe brain injury 12 years ago. She said a proposed 20 percent cut to payments for family members who care for the disabled would be devastating.

"If you reduce my wages by 20 percent as his personal care attendant, I will be faced with no other option than to give up caring for my son," Gendreau said. "I can't imagine what this would do to Rob, and how he would react in a group home or a nursing home. And it pains me to think that he would be constantly wondering where I was, because he couldn't remember."

Others said cuts would drive people out of the work force, cause financial problems for hospitals and put college education out of reach.

Another concerned mother was Sue Hansen of Maple Grove. She said her son's schizophrenia sent him regularly to the hospital and prompted a nearly successful suicide attempt.

She said close supervision in an assisted living has kept him alive, but budget cuts may end mental health services for him.

"Our son's existence is fragile at best, and without these supports, I truly fear for his survival. I don't beg very often, and I don't take begging very lightly. But where my son is concerned, I have no pride. So I am begging you, please, please, take a second look at the mental health programs that are up for cutting."

Others said cuts would drive people out of the work force, cause financial problems for hospitals and put college education out of reach.

Democrats said they held the hearing because they didn't think the public had enough chance to weigh in on the Republican-backed budget plan.

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