Dear friends,
It has been another busy week in St. Paul. Click below to hear about the issues that I’ve been working on this week:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hF3a2TbGbZk&feature=youtu.be
Health Insurance Exchange
On Monday, the House passed the Health Insurance Exchange. The insurance exchange is an online marketplace where Minnesotans will be able to compare and purchase health insurance in one place. We need to act fast on this legislation due to Federal guidelines. If Minnesota fails to pass this legislation by March 31, the Federal government will step in and establish a one-size-fits-all exchange.
Legislators have chosen to implement our own exchange that will be tailored to the needs of Minnesota families. By setting up our own system, we have the opportunity to be more cost-effective and efficient than the Federal Government’s model. Minnesota has historically led the nation in healthcare, and our insurance exchange is no exception.
Minnesota families are expected to save over $1 billion by using the exchange, and 300,000 uninsured Minnesotans are projected to gain coverage through the exchange by 2016. The bill will be going to conference committee and will be ready for final passage in the coming weeks. The goal is to make it easier and less expensive for Minnesota families to gain health coverage.
Town Hall Meetings
Please join Senator Sheran, Representative Johnson and me for Town Hall Meetings this Saturday. Deputy Revenue Commissioner Matt Massman will be present to discuss current budget and tax proposals. We will be hosting one meeting in Saint Peter and another in North Mankato. I hope you are able to join us.
Saturday, March 9th
Location:
9:00am-10:30am: Saint Peter Community Center
11:00am-12:30pm: South Central College, N. Mankato
Speakers:
Senator Kathy Sheran
Representative Kathy Brynaert
Representative Clark Johnson
Deputy Revenue Commissioner Matt Massman
Please contact me with your suggestions and input on these or any other legislative issues. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-3248 or by email at rep.kathy.brynaert@house.mn. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Kathy Brynaert
State Representative
Mankato