Staff Highlight: Ken Bence, Director of Research, Analysis and Policy
The Bences hit the State Fair!
What does the role of Director of Research, Analysis and Policy entail?
Wait, I was hoping you could tell me! Just kidding. We refer to this role internally as RAP - Research, Analysis, and Policy. Basically, I am responsible for identifying and developing the data necessary to support our strategic goals. My work becomes a resource for ARRM and its members to develop policy positions, identify opportunities and threats, and be aware of developments at the national and state levels that will have an impact on the work in disability services. I also provide staff support to the Financial Resources Committee and the Alternative Payment Model Workgroup.
After the 2019 legislative session ended, you took a deep dive into the logistics of the Competitive Workforce Factor. What are the top 3 things everyone should know about CWF?
First and foremost, the CWF does not exist until we receive federal approval. The statute says it will go into effect on January 1, 2020 or upon federal approval, whichever is later. Minnesota DHS has posted the full waiver amendment for the required 30-day public comment period, which closes at 4pm on Friday, September 27. After that, once it is sent to CMS, they can take up to 90 days to make a decision. Another important thing to know is the 4.7% factor will only apply to direct staffing hours using awake staff. It will not apply to asleep staff, supervisory staff, or RN or LPN nursing.
Third, once it becomes effective, it will not be implemented all at once. It will be rolled out over the course of the year as service authorizations renew. This is the same way banding will end for those individuals who are still getting banded rates.
Finally, ARRM has some tools to help provider organizations understand and forecast the impact of the CWF for them. There is a recorded webinar and some worksheets in the training archive section of our website.
The State Fair ended earlier this month 😞 What are some of your favorite Fair foods?
I love going to the State Fair! As a firefighter, I try to go on the first Friday, which is always the Governor's Fire Prevention Day. There are competitions for fire Explorer groups from across the state. As far as foods go, my favorites include some traditional selections, such as Pronto Pups, Tom Thumb mini donuts, cinnamon roasted almonds from the International Bazaar, the Corn Roast, and different varieties of beer. There's a fresh fruit stand that always has fantastic nectarines and watermelon.
It's almost time for the 2019 Leadership Conference and it's your first one! What are you looking forward to the most?
I've never been to Ruttger's before, so I am looking forward to a nice fall experience up north. The trees should be showing their beautiful fall colors. Of course I am also looking forward to meeting new people and learning a lot from the speakers.
The Fall Business and Finance Forum is coming up quickly! What are your overall goals for the Forum?
The Financial Resources Committee takes its responsibility very seriously in recommending topics of interest for the semi-annual BFFs. The primary goals are to provide attendees with valuable content for learning as well as networking opportunities for sharing ideas and best practices. There are also staff from DHS on hand which provides direct access for our members to ask them questions or share concerns.
Every month, you host "Dial-in With DHS". Has there been a standout call in this series? Tell us about it.
I really like working with DHS to put these monthly webinars together. They have been so cooperative in making their staff accessible and have been very open to our suggestions for presentation topics. The one that stands out is always the next one on the schedule!
What was the first concert you attended? Who do you want to see perform next?
Well now you are really going to date me. I think my first concert was seeing Chuck Mangione in New York City when I was in high school. In the last few years, my son has taken me to see the Monkees at the Minnesota Zoo, Paul McCartney at Target Field, and Billy Joel at Wrigley Field. I guess those kind of date me too. And everybody should look up the Chicago-based duo Bittersweet Drive on Facebook and YouTube to see my son's performing acumen.
Contact Ken: kbence@arrm.org
Staff Snapshots
Sue Schettle, CEO
Update: DSP Week was from September 9-13 and we took this opportunity to highlight the ARRM Cares Award winners and nominees in Moorhead and Duluth. Along with recognizing the Award Winners I also met with 6 members while I was on the road. I should also find out soon whether or not I was selected to serve on the HHS Blue Ribbon Commission.
Goals for Leadership Conference: There is a story behind this, but my goal is to "mingle naturally" at the Leadership Conference. That's the job that Ashley assigned me to, so I'm going to do that really well. Beyond that, I want to have FUN!!
What was the first concert you attended? Who do you want to see perform next?
Much to the dismay of my parents, my first concert was AC/DC when I was in high school. Fun times. Today, I've mellowed a bit and would really like to see James Taylor (again).
Contact Sue: sschettle@arrm.org
Sara Grafstrom, Director of State and Federal Policy
Update: I have been busy working with committees this month to finalize their legislative agenda recommendations that will go to the Board of Directors in October. We're excited to make a big impact in a short legislative session!
Goals for Leadership Conference: I'm looking forward to connecting with members, learning from the expert presenters, and having some fun with my co-workers!
What was the first concert you attended? Who do you want to see perform next?
My first concert was Kenny Chesney playing at the Iowa State Fair. I was 16 and my parents didn't want me driving that far so I had to talk my older brother into bringing me. I like listening to country music and would enjoy going and hearing any country music singer.
Contact Sara: sgrafstrom@arrm.org
Drew Henry, Director of Strategic Communications
Update: It was amazing to work with so many members to recognize their DSPs through our revised ARRM Cares Award appreciation. ARRM staff traveled as far north as Moorhead and Chisholm and as far south as Mankato and Rochester to participate in dozens of recognition ceremonies for nominees and winners alike. ARRM worked with members to engage local legislators and city officials in honoring those incredible nominees, and secured feature stories in many print and broadcast publications across the state. It truly was an honor to be a part of recognizing the great professionals who do this work and help share their stories and contributions with a broader audience.
Goals for Leadership Conference: The Leadership Conference will be a great time to begin the kick off to 2020 activities and engage many of our members in what they hope to see communicated from the association next year.
What was the first concert you attended? Who do you want to see perform next?
My first (non-classical) concert was Flogging Molly at First Ave. I'm not a huge concert person, so my next one will be whomever my wife really wants to see!
Contact Drew: dhenry@arrm.org
Ashley Wear, Manager of Events and Promotions
Leadership Conference and Updates: Much of my work has been preparing for another great week at Ruttger's for Leadership Conference! We have some awesome Keynotes joining us, a pre-conference session with Senator Jim Abeler, lots of other great speakers and topics, and some fun activities. I've been looking forward to #ARRMLC2019 since I got home last year and can't wait to see everyone next week!
Not far behind is the Fall Business and Finance Forum. I've been finalizing the schedule, soliciting speakers, and confirming the most current topics and issues to address. Otherwise, like much of the ARRM staff, I'm coming off a fun and busy week of travel to recognize great DSPs and meet with members across the state. Thanks for including me (us) in all your celebrations!
What was the first concert you attended? Who do you want to see perform next?
I was in 5th grade and my mom, sister, aunt, cousin and I all went to Lilith Fair. So really, my first concert included dozens of performers and bands; Sheryl Crow, The Dixie Chicks, Sarah McLachlan, Jewel, and more. It was so cool to experience a festival at such a young age, and obviously a lot of great girl power in the 90's as well. I was actually hoping to see Post Malone when he's here, but that's during our Leadership Conference and that's way more fun and important 😊
Bishop Briggs and Elle King are both currently on my concert bucket list and are coming this fall. So, I might have a couple great shows to attend in the near future!
Contact Ashley: awear@arrm.org
Madeleine Lerner, Grassroots Organizer and Manager of Social Media
Update: Last week we celebrated DSP Appreciation Week! Our members planned barbecues, proclamation readings, and fun staff gatherings. A few local businesses also donated baked goods to help us say thank you to our Minnesota DSPs. It was really great to see so much enthusiasm from our membership and support from our Minnesota legislators!
Goals for Leadership Conference: This will be my first trip to Ruttger's! I'm looking forward to exploring and hearing from our speakers. I've been working with Sara on preparations for our booth. It's going to be a fun one!
What was the first concert you attended? Who do you want to see perform next?
In high school, I visited some family in New York and we saw Sonic Youth perform in Brooklyn. It was in a park and it was freezing but it was my first real introduction to live music. I loved it. Seeing Lizzo perform is definitely next on my list.
Contact Madeleine: mlerner@arrm.org