Neighbors and Friends,
We are completing another busy week at the Capitol that featured three floor sessions, a full committee schedule and visits from several advocacy groups. Here is an update:
Town Hall
I would like to thank everyone who attended the Senate District 66 Town Hall last Saturday in Falcon Heights. The meeting, hosted by Sen. Marty, Rep. Lesch and me was an excellent opportunity to gather area residents and get feedback on the issues we are deliberating at the Capitol. As usual, the attendees were well informed and engaged.
If you weren’t able to attend the Town Hall, CTV will broadcast on their system. Check their
website for a schedule of broadcast days and times.
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Minnesota Care Buy-In
Twenty-five years ago, MinnesotaCare was created by a bipartisan coalition of legislators and signed into law by a Republican governor. The program has allowed 100,000 Minnesotans to purchase high-quality, lower cost health care coverage. Governor Dayton is proposing to expand the program by giving those who purchase their insurance on the individual insurance market the opportunity to ‘buy-into’ MinnesotaCare. Participants in the program would pay their own way.
In addition, MinnesotaCare includes a broad network of care providers and physicians all across the state which would enable families the option of choosing and keeping their own doctors.
For more information on the governor’s proposal, click here.
As we work to increase access to affordable healthcare, this plan is one avenue to provide affordable health care options to thousands of Minnesotans.
Regents Selection
A joint convention of the House and Senate was held on Wednesday to elect Regents to govern the University of Minnesota. This year, four Regents were elected, one each from the 2nd, 3rd and 8th Congressional Districts and one at-large to serve six-year terms. The Regent Candidate Advisory Council (RCAC) interviewed 17 candidates. Twelve candidates were forwarded to the Joint Legislative Committe
Despite the bipartisan, deliberative selection process, politics still came into play. We must produce a better way to select our Regents that isn’t swept up in political ideology. I believe our job choosing candidates to serve on the board should be based on the candidates’ merits, not their political connections. Those elected to serve are Steve Sviggum, Darrin Rosha, David McMillan and Ken Powell.
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Please contact me with any concerns or questions. I welcome your feedback.
Sincerely,
Alice