Dear Friends,
Yesterday the Commerce Department announced premium increases for individual market insurance plans beginning in 2016. Premiums are set to rise 14-49%, with most seeing an increase of at least 30%. It's important to remember that most Minnesotans receive insurance through their employer and will not be impacted, but nonetheless it's upsetting news for those who may be already struggling with high individual plan health costs.
Many entrepreneurs, small businesspeople, and others shop the individual market and will impacted by these increases. That means less money for groceries, clothing, gas, and other necessities. Unfortunately there's no silver bullet that will solve the problem of rising health costs—It's going to take major efforts on the state and federal level to reverse this trend.
One small step proposed and passed by the legislature in 2015 was to require Minnesota to seek a waiver from the federal government to allow access to tax credits outside of MNsure. That would help those eligible for financial assistance by providing more options and flexibility, and hopefully access to more affordable plans. We shouldn't be restricting consumer choice by limiting tax credits to only plans sold on MNsure. True competition is one piece of the puzzle that will help drive down costs.
In the Community
UTC Tour
Sen. Dan Hall and I enjoyed a fascinating visit to UTC Aerospace Systems in Burnsville earlier this month where we learned more about the work they do producing aircraft sensors and other parts.
High-tech jobs like these are the reason it's so important that students are prepared with STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) skills, and that we're encouraging students to explore careers in high-tech fields. These are good-paying jobs that dozens of families in our community rely on.
Burnsville Fire Department Open House
The Burnsville Fire Department will be holding an open house on October 7th from 5:30-8PM at Burnsville Fire Station Number 1 (911 140th Street West). This free event features activities for kids, demonstrations of equipment and fire vehicles, tours of the station, a chance to meet Sparky the Fire Dog, and more. Find more information on the Burnsville Fire department website at www.burnsville.org/fire.
Burnsville High School Day of Service
Thanks to students and staff at Burnsville High School for their participation in the second annual Green Apple Day of Service, part of a national event to encourage local service and volunteer work. Volunteers cleaned the school grounds, installed rabbit=proof fencing at a the Peace Garden, and more. Read more in the Burnsville Sun This Week here, and visit www.mygreenapple.org for information on Green Apple Day of Service.
District 194 Meetings
On October 5, the PTO Round Table will be holding a Parent Forum from 6-8PM in Lakeville. Topics will include the Lakeville Area Schools referendum, so please consider attending if you're looking to learn more ahead of next month's referendum vote.
Families and residents are also invited to another public forum on October 19th at Kenwood Trail Middle School on the Lakeville Referendum. Full details on both events can be found here.
Lakeville South Science Show
Mark your calendars: Lakeville South is holding their science show on November 20th from 6:30PM-8:30PM in the high school auditorium. The community is invited to see presentation of projects by Lakeville South High School Advanced Placement Chemistry students. More information on the Sun ThisWeek website here.
Lakeville Chamber Foundation Bowling Tournament
The Lakeville Chamber Foundation held its bowling tournament, raising more than $10,000 to help fund business education programs in our area schools. These programs include exit interviews for high school seniors, a college financial planning night, teacher appreciation breakfasts, and more. Here's a fun video from the event. Thanks to all who attended to support this great cause!
Have a wonderful weekend! Enjoy the fall weather,
Roz