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State Representative Chris Swedzinski
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-5374
For more information contact: House GOP Communications 651-296-5520
POST SESSION UPDATE
News From Representative Swedzinski
Friends –
As a legislator, I came to the Capitol in Saint Paul with a simple goal: bring responsibility back to government and job growth back to our communities.
Governor Dayton has vetoed our balanced budget plan that increases state spending 6 percent, utilizing revenue growth under existing tax levels. Our balanced budget would raise education funding 3.2 percent, provide $570 million more in Health & Human Services funding and offers tax relief to businesses and middle-income Minnesotans.
All of us know that in our communities, any family or business would see a 6 percent increase in their budget as a real boom. They would also say that anything that could be done to make those dollars go further and work better must be done. As we wait for a budget deal to be reached and a special session to begin we return home to our districts to be with our families, friends and neighbors. They’ll tell us the same thing we heard last fall when we won the honor and privilege of representing our communities in St. Paul: control spending and don’t raise my taxes.
That’s what we’ve worked to do during the regular session, and we will stand firm as we head for a special session. Our constituents don’t want to hear divisive political rhetoric or see the government shutdown over a billion-dollar tax increase. They just want to enjoy the lake, take their kids to Little League and have the confidence that our state government is putting Minnesotans first.
This debate is about what Minnesota can afford today, tomorrow and ten years from now. It is about creating a state where businesses grow jobs and thrive, where families have confidence in our economy and community institutions, and where our children wake up every day to a better Minnesota. That's what our budget plan does, and I hope the Governor will recognize that and come to the negotiating table to work out a budget deal.
I wanted to pass on the following severe weather information:
CONSUMER ALERT: SUMMER STORM SEASON
Preparation, Response & Consumer Resources
There are many things in life we cannot control. But we can control our ability to prepare for storms by investing a little time in the next few weeks to get ready. That is why the Minnesota Department of Commerce has developed a one-stop shop to help Minnesota homeowners and businesses prepare for natural disasters.
Complete a Home Inventory
The Department of Commerce urges consumers to take inventory of their belongings ahead of the summer storm season. Research suggests that 48 percent of consumers do not have an inventory of their possessions. Of those who do, 32 percent have no photos and 58 percent have no receipts.
This Home Inventory Checklist walks consumers from room to room in their home, helping compile a list of their property. By completing the checklist, homeowners who file a claim or qualify for assistance will know what they had in their home that may need to be replaced. Consumers can also download the free myHOME Scr.APP.book app for iPhone® users by visiting the iTunes® App Store or searching 'NAIC' in the app store from their phone.
Information for Renters
If you rent and you don’t have renter’s insurance, you may want to consider purchasing coverage. Renter’s insurance is relatively inexpensive and portable. The average renter’s insurance policy costs between $15 and $30 per month. Renter’s policies can cover everything from electronics to clothing to household appliances. Replacing all your possessions in the wake of a storm will cost much more.
Auto Coverage
Storms can damage autos in a number of ways: hail damage to the exterior and glass; wind driven debris damage; damage from fallen trees; and tornado damage. Coverage for these types of losses is provided by your policy under the Comprehensive portion of the auto policy. Some policies call this coverage Other than Collision. Ask your insurance agent how much coverage you have. For more information about auto insurance, click here.
What to Do After a Storm.
If a storm damages your property, follow these simple steps:
Be safe. Look out for downed power lines, etc. Do not try to go into an area until the official time is given.
Call your insurance company to report the damage. They will send out adjusters to review the damage and assess the loss. Take photos of the damage and remove personal property if your home cannot be secured. Do not dispose of property until an insurance adjuster has reviewed it for your claim. Many policies include reimbursement for storage costs incurred until your home is repaired.
Beware of storm-chasing contractors – Do not agree to a contract without checking their references and checking with the Department of Labor’s Residential Contractors Division at (651) 284-5069.
Call the Minnesota Department of Commerce. For questions regarding insurance call the Minnesota Department of Commerce Consumer Response Team at (651) 296-2488 or (800) 657-3602. You can also visit our website at www.insurance.mn.gov.
Working together, we can get this information to Minnesota residents and businesses. The Department of Commerce has additional materials we are happy to share with you or anyone else in your community.
Please contact Matt Swenson with any requests for additional information. Matt can be reached by phone at (651) 296-6485 or by email at matt.swenson@state.mn.us.
All the best,
Chris
News Items
- News from Representative Swedzinski - Memorial Day - (Posted: 2012-05-25 00:00:00)
- News from Representative Swedzinski - (Posted: 2012-04-20 00:00:00)
- News from Representative Swedzinski - (Posted: 2012-04-13 00:00:00)
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