Washington DC — This week, State Representative Rick Hansen (DFL – South St. Paul) participated in meetings with the National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL) and the White House. Rep. Hansen received a travel stipend from NCSL to attend.
The NCSL meeting was entitled "Point A to Point B: Serving Constituents Through Transportation Access and Performance."
“We’re facing a lot of decisions about the short-term and long-term future of Minnesota’s transportation system — repaving old highways, fixing old bridges, and expanding transit,” said Rep. Hansen. “It was a helpful meeting, with good information and discussion on the impact of transportation policy on constituents, with examples of what’s worked and what hasn’t in other states.”
Later, Rep. Hansen attended a meeting at the White House with other state legislators to discuss the Affordable Care Act and other issues. Minnesota is one of 14 states to set up its own exchange — MNsure — which has resulted in the lowest average premiums in the nation and far fewer problems that the federal exchange.
“It was great to sit down with other state legislators and talk to the Obama Administration about a variety of issues,” said Rep. Hansen. “The Obama Administration is listening to what is happening in the states and is focused on improving the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, as well as tackling a number of important national issues.”