It’s been great seeing many of you around town at football games, community events, and local get-togethers. I’ve received a lot of feedback and numerous suggestions for Minnesota as we look toward the next legislative session. Please continue to contact me whenever you have a question or simply an idea to help improve our state. I look forward to hearing from you in the coming months.
Ceremonial Bill Signing
Recently, I attended a ceremonial bill signing for my bill, House File 1725. Governor Dayton invited me to the ceremony and it was an honor to attend. This bill brings our state offices into the 21st century by creating a quicker, more efficient process of filing with the Office of Administrative Hearings. Both the House and the Senate unanimously passed HF1725 before the governor added his signature. I thank Governor Dayton for his support of this bill and for inviting me to the ceremonial signing.
MNsure
Last week, the Minnesota Department of Commerce announced an increase in rate premiums for Minnesotans insured through our state’s Obamacare exchange, MNsure. On average, rate increases for individuals are set to rise between 14.2% and 49%, with family plans possibly seeing larger hikes. This isn’t just a couple extra dollars to pay each month. In the Twin Cities, a 40-year-old could see their monthly payment rise by $113. They are massive increases that will put a financial strain on family budgets across the state.
When MNsure passed the legislature in 2013, we heard promises of cheaper insurance – about $500 per household. We now see that isn’t the case. Minnesotans can’t afford to subsidize a broken system like MNsure any longer.
As we head into the 2016 legislative session, I hope legislators from the other side of the aisle will come to St. Paul ready to do the difficult work and reform MNsure. Our residents deserve the affordable health insurance they were promised, not year after year of skyrocketing costs.
Higher Ed Tour
I joined the House Higher Education Policy and Finance Committee for two tours last week. First, we toured three of Minnesota’s private universities, St. Thomas, St. Catherine, and Augsburg. It was great interacting with current students and chatting with those benefitting from Minnesota’s state grant program.
The next day, I got to head back to the U, this time as a “mini-medical student.” At this daylong event, we saw a glimpse of what life is like for actual University of Minnesota medical students. We spoke with professors and students, toured the state-of-the-art facilities, and even took part in a white coat ceremony. It was quite an eye-opening experience to see all the work necessary to be a successful med student.
Again, feel free to contact me if you are in need of assistance or have a suggestion to improve our state. Many of the best bills start with an idea or suggestion from a constituent. You can reach me at (651) 296-4212 or rep.drew.christensen@house.mn.
Have a great week!
Drew