Dear Neighbors,
Much work continues here at the Capitol to not only solve problems facing Minnesota families now but also looking ahead to expand opportunities for them in the future while growing our economy. In this update, I’d like to discuss some of what I've been working on this past week.
Public Option for MinnesotaCare
As you may know, as part of his two-year proposed state budget, Governor Mark Dayton has recommended a public option to be able to buy into MinnesotaCare, a successful, popular health insurance plan utilized by over 100,000 eligible Minnesotans. With private insurance options limited, especially in Greater Minnesota, along with rising premiums, this is a smart move as we look to expand access to health care. Minnesotans who choose the “MinnesotaCare Buy-In” would get high-quality health coverage for an estimated $469 per person per month, on average. That is 12 percent ($69 per month) less than the average statewide premium of $538 for commercial health plans in 2017.
This is a sustainable option for our state’s health insurance system as a whole, as well as for individual families. With a vast network of physicians and care providers participating in MinnesotaCare, folks would have more options to choose and keep their own doctors. Further, because premiums would be paid for by Minnesotans who enroll, aside from a one-time startup cost, there will be no additional costs for taxpayers. While this will be one of many health insurance proposals this year, I hope we can give this idea serious consideration.
Giving Minnesotans a Voice about Marijuana
This week, I introduced a proposal to give Minnesotans a say in the direction of marijuana laws in the state. With eight states and the District of Columbia already moving away from what I feel is a failed prohibition of this product, citizens should have a voice on the issue here, and I’ve introduced a proposed amendment to the Minnesota Constitution providing this.
To be clear, this is just the start of what will be a lengthy conversation. I’ve recognized that there are many concerns with this, such as the driving under the influence component, and I’ve already started working to bring people to the table to address these. For now though, it’s clear many attitudes are changing regarding marijuana, while many politicians in St. Paul and Washington haven’t done a good enough job of listening to them. So, I think giving Minnesotans a voice through a constitutional amendment is the best route forward.
Paid Family and Medical Leave
I officially introduced the Minnesota Paid Family and Medical Leave Act of 2017 yesterday. As I’ve mentioned before, it’s a priority of mine to provide economic security to families so Minnesotans can afford to take time off work to spend time with a newborn or an ill loved one. I plan to have more news about this proposal next week.
Please stay in touch with your feedback, and have a fantastic weekend.
Sincerely,
Jason Metsa
State Representative