People who are disabled and their advocates will be at the Capitol today to urge legislators and Gov. Tim Pawlenty to be fair when making the cuts needed to balance the state budget.

Leaders of the MN Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities said they're mobilizing their troops because some legislators have said that they're not hearing from the disability community as they struggle to decide where to make the cuts needed to balance a deficit of nearly $5 billion. When it comes time to allocate the fewer available dollars, they believe, visibility does make a difference.

Those coming for the rally will meet in the State Office Building cafeteria between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and are scheduled to lobby legislators before the House Health and Human Services Finance Committee meets  at 1 p.m. (I heard about the rally because I do some reporting during the session for the Minnesota State Council on Disabilities.)

Advocates and lobbyists have told people with disabilities that the cuts in many state programs will be necessary, but that legislators should be reminded that disproportionate cuts to many health and human services programs will have devastating effects on many people with disabilities.

A large proposed cut in the budget for personal care attendants is particularly worrisome for many who rely on the attendants to stay in their homes and get ready for work.