Dear Neighbors,
While this is the time of year folks in Northwestern Minnesota are focused on hunting, holidays, and fall sports tournaments and playoffs, there are many important issues happening at the Capitol and around the state. Here's an update about some of the latest issues important to folks in our community.
MNsure and Rising Health Care Costs
Last month, the Minnesota Department of Commerce and MNsure announced that 2016 insurance prices for individuals, families and small businesses purchasing insurance through individual markets are on the rise.
Average individual market increases range from 14.2% to 49% higher than last year, with some seeing even larger increases than that. While there are a number of contributing factors to rising costs, they are in part due to burdensome Obamacare mandates and the staggering price tag of MNsure which has cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars in the past few years.
Last session, House Republicans passed legislation to improve transparency and lower rates by increasing access and competition as a way to improve the market and check skyrocketing costs. Unfortunately, Democrats and Governor Dayton's Administration did not support these common sense reforms.
Next session, we will continue to work to improve access to affordable health insurance for folks in Northwest Minnesota and across the state because people can't continue to absorb these outrageous cost increases and unreasonably high deductibles.
PolyMet
On Friday, the final 10-year Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on PolyMet Mining Inc.'s proposed copper-nickel mine project was released. The 3,000 page report was a collaboration between the DNR, U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
While this PolyMet mine is still not a guarantee for the Iron Range, this comprehensive report is a step in the right direction. The review, which was called "thoughtful, independent and thorough" by DNR Commissioner Tom Landwehr, indicates that the mine can move forward and create good paying jobs in our state while also protecting our environment.
I will keep you updated on PolyMet as the project continues to move forward. The EIS report is now open for a 30-day public review and comment period.
Board of Teaching
On Thursday, November 5, the House Education Finance and Education Innovation Policy committees held a joint hearing criticizing the Board of Teaching for not following state law and implementing streamlined out-of-state teacher licensure rules in an efficient and timely manner.
Under state law passed earlier this year, the Board of Teaching is required to adopt new rules to facilitate the licensure of out-of-state educators, or those trained in alternative preparation programs, by January 1, 2016. The Board of Teaching, which just filed its 60-day public comment period on November 2, is not expected to meet that mandated deadline.
This is particularly disappointing for Greater Minnesota schools who face critical teacher shortages, particularly in key curriculum areas including math, science and special education. If Minnesota wants to continue to lead on education, we must ensure that great educators can be hired and licensed in our state, whether they were taught here or in another state.
State leaders have been pushing since 2011 to simplify and streamline the licensure process, and the Board of Teaching must stop evading legislative intent and do what's in the best interest of teachers, students and schools.
Veterans Day
I hope you will join me this Veterans Day in a moment of remembrance, honor and thanks for those who have sacrificed so much to protect our freedoms in the past, and for those who are currently serving to make the world a safer place.
Many of us know someone in uniform and understand the selfless commitment made by our servicemen and women. I am grateful for the service of all of our brave military members, and I also appreciate the sacrifices made by their families and loved ones.
I will be speaking at the Veterans Day program in Greenbush and look forward to joining others in celebration of our veterans.
Happy Veterans Day to you and your family.
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My door is always open to the needs and priorities of our area. Please feel free to let me know if I can be of assistance to you and your family. I am here to serve you!
Dan
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