Dear Neighbor,
People who work in the ag industry are encouraged to attend information meetings in Alexandria and/or Fergus Falls tomorrow (Thursday) to learn more about the new 40 Square health insurance program.
A top priority for the Minnesota House is to lower health care costs for Minnesotans. The 40 Square program is part of the suite of reforms the Legislature led to enactment earlier this year to provide premium relief. Members of 40 Square will have access to health plan options that are self-funded through a member-owned, member-governed system designed to ensure full transparency and empower Minnesota farm families.
Enrollment in this co-op is now underway and representatives from 40 Square are conducting a series of town hall meetings around the state to provide more information. Here are the particulars for meetings tomorrow in Alexandria and Fergus Falls:
- 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, at the Alexandria Holiday Inn (5637 State Hwy. 29 S.).
- 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, at AgCountry Farm Credit Services in Fergus Falls (311 N. Tower Rd., near Fleet Farm).
Additional details regarding 40 Square also are available at this link.
On a separate note, I want to remind people the deadline is approaching for high school juniors to apply to participate in the high school page program at the Capitol during the upcoming session. Parents, please urge any juniors you think may be interested in this opportunity.
I wrote about this program in a recent email, but here are the high points once again:
Page program participants attend meetings with legislators, constitutional officers, members of the judiciary and others. They also assist during House floor sessions and participate in mock committee hearings. Pages are selected each year through a formal process which includes an application, faculty recommendation and an essay. Stipends are available to defray expenses.
December 1 is the deadline for high school juniors to apply. More information is available at this link or by calling (651) 296-7452. Local schools also can provide further assistance.
Good luck to any local applicants to this program. Feel free to use me as a resource if you have any questions or need any other direction.
Sincerely,
Bud