Friends,
I’ve introduced House File 1967, the Level of Readiness Trauma Hospital and EMS Initiative. If passed into law, it will improve trauma and EMS care throughout the state of Minnesota by investing in our trauma and EMS care and coordination and training infrastructure.
I was spurred to this action by the latest state-by-state report card on emergency care environment conducted by the American College of Emergency Physicians. Minnesota got an overall C and ranked 12th in the nation. We used to be in the top 10.
No matter where you live – Metro area or Greater Minnesota – you deserve to know that, if you’re in an accident, you’ll get the quickest possible access to health care and that you’ll receive the best quality trauma care possible wherever you are treated.
This would be paid for with an assessment on your auto insurance – less than a dollar a month.
Every day I see the important, live-saving role our trauma care providers and emergency responders play in our lives. We need to make they have all the resources they need to do their jobs.
Tackling synthetic drugs
I was honored to be selected by House Speaker Paul Thissen last year to serve on a Select Committee on Controlled Substances and Synthetic Drugs. This week, after more than six months of hearings and investigations, we approved a package of recommendations for legislative consideration.
After hearing emotional and often painful testimony from those most affected by the scorn of these substances and members of the medical and law enforcement communities, we produced eight recommendations we feel will help combat the plight of synthetic drugs.
The legislature as a whole will tackle this issue once it convenes on February 25.
Help with propane shortage
In response to the alarming spike in propane costs in our region, the Minnesota Department of Commerce recently announced additional financial assistance for eligible Minnesotans currently heating their homes with propane and heating oil.
Financial assistance is available through Minnesota’s Energy Assistance Program (EAP), with additional payments available as early as next week. Households with an income less than 50 percent of the state median income ($43,642 for a family of four) may qualify.
There’s also newly-created hotline operating Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for Minnesotans who have questions about the current propane situation or who are in danger of running out of heating fuel. Call 651-297-1304 for assistance in the metro area.
Some district get-togethers
I am holding “office hours” in the district in February. These will provide you an opportunity to share your concerns as we get ready for the 2014 session. I hope to see as many of you as possible.
On Monday, February 17, Senator Katie Sieben, St. Paul Park Mayor Keith Franke and I will be hosting "office hours" prior to the St. Paul Park City Council meeting from 6 - 7 p.m, prior to the start of the council meeting.
On Tuesday, February 18, Senators Sieben and James Metzen, Representative Rick Hansen and I will be at the Black Sheep Coffee Shop in South St. Paul from 5 to 7 p.m. I hope you can stop by and have a cup of coffee with us!
Finally, Senator Sieben, Representative Denny McNamara and are holding “office hours” from 10 a.m. to noon on Monday, February 24, 2014, at Cottage Grove City Hall.
It’s great to stay in contact with you over the phone or via e-mail, but it is so much better to get together face-to-face.
All my best,
Dan