Dear Neighbors,
It’s hard to believe January is almost over. The past four weeks at the Capitol certainly have flown by. On the state level, the Legislature passed and the Governor signed into law the first piece of major legislation; health insurance premium relief to those who purchase their insurance on the individual market. Thankfully the Governor’s original plan to provide a 25 percent rebate proposal was included in the final bill, and a House Republican amendment was dropped. The amendment would have allowed insurance companies to sell policies that don’t cover things like emergency services, cancer treatment, and nearly 100 other health issues. Unfortunately, the final bill included a harmful provision I could not support, that allows for-profit insurance companies to sell insurance in Minnesota. According to a Consumer Reports study, the best private health plans in the United States are run by non-profit organizations. They are consistently the most affordable option with the higher levels of care. Minnesotans deserve to have quality coverage with their premiums spent on their care, not lining the pocketbooks of corporate executives and CEOs.
On the national level, President Trump’s executive order goes against Minnesota’s long standing tradition of welcoming immigrants and refugees to our state.
We are a nation of immigrants; our diversity makes our country, state and community strong and prosperous. I am grateful for all the wonderful ways our immigrant community contributes to the social and economic vitality of the place we all have the opportunity of calling home.
Islamic Center of Minnesota President Kausar Hussain, Islamic Center of Minnesota Board Member Noor-Jehan Saiyed and myself
On January 3rd, I had the honor of speaking at Representative Ilhan Omar’s ceremony for her swearing-in. She is the first Somali-American, Muslim in the nation to hold public office at this level. She serves House District 60B in South Minneapolis.
Representative Omar, her daughter and myself on the first day of Session
I also attended the ceremonial swearing- in for Representative Fue Lee, who represents House District 59A in North Minneapolis. He was born in a refugee camp in Thailand and immigrated with his family to the United States a year after he was born.
Representative Lee and myself on the first day of Session
I am grateful to have Representative Omar and Representative Lee’s leadership at the State Capitol. I look forward to serving with my new colleagues and friends in the Minnesota House of Representatives and will continue to advocate for our immigrant and refugee community.
Please feel free to contact me anytime on any issue. I appreciate your input.
Sincerely,
Connie Bernardy
State Representative