Dear neighbors,
As the second month of the legislative session winds down, we’re making real progress to move Minnesota forward.
DFL majorities and Governor Dayton have enacted legislation that will make a difference in the lives of thousands of Minnesotans, such as giving state employees their first pay raise in three years and expanding Medicaid to cover over 35,000 additional low-income Minnesotans.
I hope you’ll take a few minutes to read my latest email update so you can learn more about what’s happening at our State Capitol.
EXPANDING ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE:
Last night the Minnesota House of Representatives passed a bill that establishes a state-based health insurance exchange. This is an important step towards ensuring affordable care for all Minnesotans.
The insurance exchange expands health care coverage to over 300,000 individuals who previously could not afford or qualify for insurance. Tax credits will be available for qualifying individuals, families, and small businesses to purchase quality coverage. The exchange is estimated to save families an average of roughly $500.
Rising health care costs have squeezed Minnesotans from all walks of life for far too long. I am proud to have the opportunity to help implement the Affordable Care Act’s historic reforms and make sure people can see a doctor and get the care they deserve—regardless of ability to afford coverage.
BALANCING OUR STATE BUDGET:
A new economic forecast from the Office of Minnesota Management and Budget reduced our projected budget deficit from $1.1 billion to $627 million over the next two years. We also learned that our state is able to pay back an additional $290 million for the K-12 school shifts, bringing the remaining balance down to just over $800 million.
Last week’s economic forecast means that Minnesota’s economy is moving in the right direction, but there is still more work to be done.
If we truly want to move Minnesota forward, we need to end the status quo of cuts, borrowing and gimmicks. Our schools and communities can’t afford any more short-term budget fixes.
I plan to work with my colleagues and Governor Dayton to pass a fair budget that invests in priorities like education, creates jobs that pay well and offer good benefits, and protects the well-being of our most vulnerable communities.
BUSH FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES FELLOWSHIPS
I’m excited to announce that the Bush Foundation recently selected me to serve as a Fellow, which provides me with additional opportunities to engage our communities to create positive change.
As a Fellow, I will focus on the impact of the built environment (including infrastructure), its aesthetics, and how it can help to create thriving neighborhoods.
LEGISLATIVE SURVEY:
Last month I released a legislative survey that allows you to share your comments, questions, and ideas about the big challenges facing our state.
Hundreds of Minnesotans have already participated and I hope you’ll join them. Click here to fill out my survey.
I look forward to reading your responses.
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As the legislative session continues, please send me your ideas and feedback for how our state can create jobs, balance the budget, and build stronger communities. You can reach me by phone at (651) 296-8659, by email at rep.raymond.dehn@house.mn, or by postal mail at 423 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155.
You can also follow updates about what’s happening at the Legislature by following me on Twitter or Facebook.
Sincerely,
Raymond Dehn
State Representative, District 59B