Friends,
After four years and $300 million in restoration costs, last weekend we celebrated the Grand Reopening of our Minnesota Capitol. First built in 1905, our Capitol has not looked this good in over 100 years! I hope you were able to get to St. Paul to participate in the festivities last weekend but the Capitol is open all year round and I encourage you to visit the People's House.
Rep. Smith at the Capitol Grand Opening with Mayor Duane Poppe of Osseo
Minnesota Health Care Reforms Working
A few weeks ago, preliminary rates for the 2018 individual insurance market were released, revealing a number of Republican-led reforms could end the four-year trend of double-digit premium increases under MNsure and Obamacare. For instance, in 2017 some saw increases by as much as 60 percent.
The Minnesota Premium Security Plan which, if approved by the federal government, could mean premium decreases for tens of thousands of Minnesotans. Without these reforms, rates could rise 25% or more next year according to the MN Department of Commerce.
While we don’t know what will happen with health care at the federal level, we are working to make sure Minnesota reclaims our spot as the national leader in health care.
Maple Grove Library Eclipse Party!
The Maple Grove Library has received a grant for their solar eclipse viewing party. The total solar eclipse will take place on Monday August 21, shortly after 1:00 pm. The viewing party at the Maple Grove Library will begin at 11:45 at the Town Green next to the library. The library was able to get a limited number of viewing glasses to be able to safely watch the event.
Please continue to share your thoughts with me about our state government; bill ideas and concerns are welcomed! I am honored to serve you at the Capitol. My email address is Rep.Dennis.Smith@house.mn, phone number 651-296-5502, and by mail: 375 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155.
Have a great weekend!
Dennis