Dear neighbor,
We are now moving into our fourth week of the 2017 legislative session. As promised, I want to give you an update on some of my priorities as your representative at the Capitol.
WE STAND WITH IMMIGRANTS
Every day under Donald Trump seems to bring yet another attack on our beloved community.
Today, that attack was a series of executive orders targeting immigrants and refugees who fled to this country seeking better lives for themselves and their families.
As a Native woman whose ancestors originally inhabited this land, I know the importance of welcoming the stranger. So today I stood with a beautifully diverse group of state and local leaders to send a message to Donald Trump:
We don't scare easy in Minnesota. Our immigrant and refugee friends and neighbors are part of what makes Minnesota such a wonderful place to live and raise a family. And we stand ready to resist any and all efforts to intimidate our communities. We are all here to stay. We will remain. We will resist.
A BUDGET THAT FOCUSES ON KIDS
Governor Dayton has unveiled his budget plan to create a better Minnesota, and I was particularly pleased to hear it will include investments in a key priority of mine: Minnesota’s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP).
This particular program ensures kids from low-income families have access to high-quality childcare and gives parents the flexibility to work or pursue an education.
Governor Dayton’s budget includes $85 million to increase provider payment rates and remove red tape for families and providers. These investments would result in more stable assistance for families and increase the number of child care providers who participate in the program, improving care for more than 30,000 children.
You can read more about the Governor's budget here.
TIME FOR A PUBLIC OPTION
Legislative leaders finally struck a deal to provide short-term relief to Minnesota consumers on the individual market.
The bill wasn't perfect: For example, it would lift a ban on for-profit HMOs that has been in place for over 40 years to protect Minnesota families from the profit motives of insurance executives. Nevertheless, I'm happy to see that Minnesotans who purchase their insurance individually will finally get some premium relief.
But we cannot stop there.
I'm proud to join my DFL colleagues in calling for a public insurance option here in Minnesota. If passed, our proposal would allow anyone to purchase MinnesotaCare, an option currently only available to a select few low-income people in the state.
People purchasing MinnesotaCare would still need to pay premiums as if they had private insurance. But a public option would increase competition in the individual market and give all Minnesotans an additional choice when selecting their health insurance plan.
I'm hopeful a public option will be part of our long-term vision for health care reform in Minnesota.
STANDING WITH THE JEWISH COMMUNITY
Last week, I was disturbed by the threats against our own Sabes Jewish Community Center in St. Louis Park.
So I took to the floor of the House of Representatives to speak directly to the Jewish community and other marginalized communities throughout Minnesota: we see you, we stand with you, and we won’t rest until you feel safe calling Minnesota home.
Read my full remarks here.
AN ATTACK ON OUR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS
This week, the House of Representatives held a hearing on House File 322, a bill that enacts severe financial punishments on protesters in the state of Minnesota.
This spiteful legislation, introduced by Republican Rep. Nick Zerwas, will have a chilling effect on free speech in Minnesota and threatens one of the most cherished traditions in our country: the right to peacefully assemble.
If you want to make your voice heard, please reach out to author Rep. Nick Zerwas at rep.nick.zerwas@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-5884.
TOWN HALL
A reminder that next week I'm hosting a town hall meeting with Rep. Cheryl Youakim and Sen. Ron Latz.
Below are the details:
Tuesday, Jan 31st
6:00-8:00 PM
St. Louis Park City Hall
5005 Minnetonka Blvd
Please come out to talk to us about your priorities!
CONTACT ME
Sincerely,
Rep. Peggy Flanagan