Last week, the Vertex team headed to Ruttger’s Bay Lake Resort in Deerwood, Minnesota for the 2026 MOHR Legislative Retreat, the first time the event has been held there after years at Arrowwood Resort in Alexandria. Three days, a new venue, and no shortage of good conversation with the agency leaders and legislative advocates who make Minnesota’s disability services community what it is.
Vertex’s Longevity in Minnesota
Minnesota has long been one of Vertex’s most important markets. Our customer base across the state continues to grow, and our billing, case management, workforce, and EVV modules support agencies working through some of the most complex waiver and compliance requirements in the country. Attending the Legislative Retreat every year is part of how we stay close to that community, not just as a vendor, but as a partner who understands what providers are actually navigating.
Key Takeaways
Federal and state legislative updates. ANCOR’s Donna Martin walked attendees through the federal landscape shaping disability services funding and policy, while updates from the Minnesota Department of Human Services and the Olmstead Implementation Office covered where the state stands on community integration priorities.
Employment law in focus. Janet Dorr of Fredrikson & Byron led a session on navigating tricky leave and accommodation issues, a topic that came up again and again in hallway conversations, given how much agencies are managing on the HR side right now.
Looking ahead to 2027. A legislative session recap paired with a 2027 preview gave the room a clear-eyed look at what’s already been accomplished and what grassroots advocacy work still needs to happen before the next session.
Waiver Reimagine and vocational rehab updates. Sessions from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and updates on the state’s Waiver Reimagine initiative kept the conversation grounded in the day-to-day realities providers are planning around.
Let’s Connect
Retreats like this one are exactly why we keep showing up, real conversations with the people shaping policy and running programs on the ground. If you’d like to talk about how Vertex supports Minnesota organizations, or just want to compare notes on what you heard at Ruttger’s this year, get in touch with us here.
We’re already looking forward to next year.
