Dear Neighbor,
I want to remind folks of the series of town hall meetings I am hosting with Sen. Torrey Westrom today and tomorrow throughout the district. I hope you can join us to discuss the issues. Here is the schedule in case you haven’t seen it:
March 8
Sauk Centre: 1-2:30 p.m., Jitters Java Café, 403 Main St. S.
March 9
Glenwood: 9-10 a.m., Lakeside Ballroom, 180 S. Lakeshore Drive
Melrose: 10:45-11:45 a.m., City Center, 225 1st. St. N.E.
Freeport: 1-2 p.m., Charlie’s Café, 115 Main St. E.
Albany: 2:15-3:15 p.m., Hillcrest Family Restaurant, 1004, Shamrock Lane
HEALTH INSURANCE EXCHANGE PASSES HOUSE
As for legislative news, the House passed a bill this week which would create a health insurance exchange. The intent was to tailor a plan to fit Minnesota’s needs as opposed to adopting the federal government’s one-size-fits-all Obamacare model. An amendment preventing abortions to be covered under the plan was adopted. The plan is to begin enrolling consumers in October, with assistants in place to help citizens navigate the online marketplace.
There are a number of causes for concern, including a lack of the three things Minnesotans care about most: affordability, choice in care and data privacy. It also would cost us hundreds of millions of dollars to operate and include a 3.5-percent tax.
BIPARTISAN OPPOSITION TO GOV'S AG. BUDGET
The governor’s proposed agriculture budget was bipartisanly voted down in a committee this week. I will have more information about this topic in my weekly newspaper column and in upcoming emails.
Hope you have a good weekend and, again, please join Sen. Westrom and me at any of the town hall meetings we have scheduled. The more feedback, the better.
Sincerely,
Paul