Dear Neighbors,
We’re cruising through the legislative session; it’s hard to believe we’re already through three weeks! The good news is these three weeks have been full of major progress for our area and our state. I wanted to pass along some of the recent highlights from the Capitol.
Health Care Relief and Reform Becomes Law
Heading into the current session, we knew how important it was to reform our health insurance system. We made a big first step this week by passing insurance premium relief and common-sense reforms to increase choice, competition, and access to care. We passed this bill yesterday evening, and I am happy to say that the Governor has already signed it into law.
I was proud to support this bill, which will provide relief for those hit hardest by huge premium increases. Premium relief by itself was very necessary, but helping folks not lose their important medical treatments mid-stream was just as critical. One of the reforms in this bill will help individuals, such as pregnant women, people receiving lifesaving cancer treatments, or those in the midst of end-of-life care, to continue these important treatments with their same doctors and hospitals. We fought hard for this provision so Minnesotans wouldn’t have to worry about losing coverage or losing their doctor at such an important time.
Farmers and small business owners and employees will also benefit from this new law. These hardworking men and women are the backbone of Minnesota’s economy, and should have increased access and choice when it comes to health insurance.
This bill is an important first step in fixing our broken health care system. It will allow the hardest hit people some immediate relief and, along with these first reforms, will hopefully hold people over until we can make the important long-term fixes that are needed. Health care is a complicated issue with many working parts. It's going to take some time to get this fixed and to get at the root issues. I look forward to continued work on this important subject!
Speed Limit Changes
As a heads up, I wanted to make you aware of some speed limit changes to roads in our district. These sections are already or will soon change from 55mph to 60mph. The affected roadways are MN109, MN22, MN30, and MN56. If they haven’t switched yet, they should in the near future.
Capitol Visitor
I had the privilege of having Dr. Adenuga Atewologun, president of Riverland Community College, join me as my special guest for the State of the State address this year. I want to honor Dr. Nuga for the excellent leadership he has provided (and continues to provide) Riverland Community College to help make it the growing and thriving educational institute that it is today - not to mention an important part of our community. Thank you, Dr. Nuga – and to all of the Riverland staff - for your great work!
Please Contact Me
As always, please contact me any time with your comments, questions, or concerns. Reach my office by phone at 651-296-8216 or email me at rep.peggy.bennett@house.mn.
Have a great weekend!
Peggy