In a substantial pushback against recent inflammatory remarks, Minnesota's Senate DFL members have openly criticized US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for his comments on autism. At the heart of the controversy are Kennedy’s statements made on Wednesday, which have been widely rebuked for depicting individuals with autism as burdens to families and society at large, as per the Minnesota Senate DFL.
Senate Human Services Committee and Senate Health and Human Services Committee members did not mince words in their collective response. "People with autism are human beings with inherent worth and dignity. They are beloved members of their families, our communities and our state," read a statement released by the group, as detailed in an announcement on the Senate DFL website. The statement continued, "A child’s worth is not measured by whether they play baseball or write poems — though many autistic people are poets, athletes, taxpayers and more."
DFL senators denounced Kennedy's anti-science and ableist rhetoric, questioning the judgment of fellow senators who confirmed his appointment. They took the stance that these comments are symptomatic of a broader effort to dismantle crucial public health initiatives and the progress of scientific research. "Secretary Kennedy’s comments about people with autism are ignorant and dangerous," the senators expressed vehemently, as stated by the Minnesota Senate DFL.
The DFL group, which includes Human Services Committee Chair Senator John Hoffman, Health and Human Services Committee Chair Senator Melissa Wiklund, Senator Liz Boldon, Senator Omar Fateh, Senator Rob Kupec, Senator Erin Maye Quade, and Senator Lindsey Port, also took this moment to reaffirm their commitment to disability services. Their dedication comes at a time when they allege the Trump administration is actively undercutting Medicaid, education funding, and civil rights for individuals with disabilities. The Minnesota DFL is positioning itself as a bulwark in defense of these vulnerable populations, promising to protect disability services and support every student, family, and child amidst federal cutbacks and policy rollbacks.
