Dear neighbors,
Yesterday, we received more positive news showing that our economy is getting stronger.
According to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), employers added 10,300 jobs in May. Our unemployment rate is now at its lowest level in seven years.
To read more about yesterday’s strong jobs report, click here for some of the latest news coverage.
Here are a few other important updates from the past several days and weeks.
STATE OF EMERGENCY DECLARED IN RAMSEY COUNTY:
Due ongoing storms and flooding throughout the state, Governor Dayton declared a State of Emergency in 35 counties, including Ramsey County. The Executive Order makes a wide range of state resources available and engages state agencies in response efforts to help our fellow Minnesotans in this time of tremendous need.
To ensure aid is available for our communities impacted by natural disasters, the legislature created a new program to provide disaster relief grants to local units of government that sustain significant damage but are not eligible for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). According to news reports from the Associated Press, the magnitude and widespread geographic nature of flooding make a federal disaster request a near certainty.
In the midst of major storms and flooding, individuals, families and businesses have a variety of insurance issues to address. The Minnesota Department of Commerce set up a one-stop-shop to help Minnesotans prepare for the worst and make informed insurance decisions after a catastrophic loss.
More information is available here: http://mn.gov/commerce/consumers/disaster-information-center/
UNINSURED RATE LOWEST IN STATE HISTORY:
We just learned that Minnesota’s nation-leading health care system is getting even better.
Thanks to MNsure, our online health insurance marketplace that offers the lowest premium rates in the nation, a new report shows that the percentage of uninsured Minnesotans has dropped to the lowest level in state history, and the second-lowest level in the nation.
It’s also important to note that insurance companies can no longer deny coverage to people with pre-existing conditions, charge women higher premiums than men or cap the amount of care you receive in a year.
Read more: http://www.startribune.com/business/262726381.html
MINNESOTA RANKS FIRST ON AARP’S LONG-TERM CARE SCORECARD:
On the heels of the new report showing 95 percent of Minnesotans now have health care, we learned that AARP ranked Minnesota best in the nation in long-term care.
The legislature provided both our nursing homes and long-term care providers with long overdue 5% funding increases during the 2013-2014 session, marking important progress toward ensuring the best possible care for our seniors and people with disabilities.
Read more: http://www.longtermscorecard.org/2014-scorecard#.U6SVRrGPOQw
FUTURE E-UPDATES:
State law prohibits elected officials from sending mass emails or mailings from our legislative offices 60 days after the session adjourns, which occurred on May 16.
Over the next several weeks before we hit that deadline on July 15, I plan to send more frequent e-updates to make sure you have the latest news and information.
STAY IN TOUCH:
I was pleased to recently host a town hall meeting and discuss important issues impacting our communities like education, job creation, health care and more. Minnesota does best when we are able to engage in this kind of productive, respectful dialogue.
If you were unable to attend, please send me any questions, comments or feedback you might have – especially any questions related to disaster relief efforts in the midst of ongoing storms and flooding.
Sincerely,
JoAnn Ward
State Representative, District 53A