Dear Neighbors,
There are fewer than six weeks to go for the Legislature to finish remaining work before adjournment on May 21. This week, Governor Dayton sent a letter to House and Senate leaders requesting specific bipartisan bills be sent to his desk by the end of the month, related to topics supported on a broad bipartisan basis. These are protecting the elderly and vulnerable adults from abuse and neglect, ensuring the safety of our schoolchildren and educators, addressing the opioid crisis, and stabilizing the pensions of Minnesota workers.
I hope both House and Senate majorities will consider this timeline, so there is sufficient time to craft, vet and compromise on taxes and a bonding bill, in addition to passing a supplemental state budget. You can read the Governor’s full letter here.
Update on Insurance Premiums
As a result of rising premiums for those who buy their insurance on the individual market, we worked to pass the Premium Assistance Insurance Program in 2017. That program contributed aid to 118,000 Minnesotans and helped families save on average $350 a month, or $4,200 a year, in health insurance costs.
While I’m glad we could help deliver needed relief, that program is a temporary solution and we should be looking into other sustainable options. The Minnesota Care Buy-In is a proposal that would give Minnesotans the choice to buy quality coverage at prices estimated to be 28 percent less than other commercial health plans. Please feel free to share with me your thoughts on this option or, if you’d like additional information, you can click on the link above.
The bottom line is every family in Minnesota deserves access to quality, affordable healthcare. I’m committed to ensuring that’s a reality for everyone in our community and state.
Howling for Wolves Day at the Capitol
Yesterday, Howling for Wolves, a Minnesota-based wolf-advocacy organization, held its Day at the Capitol, where several hundred wolf activists gathered to urge support for the wild wolf. Howling for Wolves advocates for laws that support a sustainable gray wolf population and calls for plans that allow the wolf and communities across the state to co-exist. I was honored to receive from constituents the ‘2018 Champion for the Wolf’ Award for my legislative work on protecting the gray wolf population in Minnesota. You can learn more about Howling for Wolves’ initiatives here.
Edina Receives Clean Energy Award
Edina was one of seven communities in Minnesota that earned 2018 Clean Energy Community Awards last month. Recipients of the award were recognized for furthering the state’s clean energy efficiency, conservation and renewable energy generation. The Minnesota Department of Commerce sponsored and coordinated the awards program, with financial support from the U.S. Department of Energy.
You can read more about Minnesota’s clean energy goals, and the specific criteria for awards here.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or feedback. Your input is appreciated.
Sincerely,
Paul