Dear Neighbors,
It’s starting to feel more like Christmas out. Despite the colder temps, I always love being in our area this time of year. With many people at the Capitol leaving for holiday break in a couple weeks, I’ve been staying busy as the year comes to a close.
Healthcare Legislation
Rural healthcare is facing significant challenges, and that can be seen right here in Albert Lea with our local hospital. Although we’re in uncertain times as to the future direction of the hospital, it’s important to continue to look for solutions that are best for the community.
I am committed to working hard on this issue for our area and continue to meet frequently with local constituents, local government leaders, and state officials on this very important subject. There are a number of pieces of legislation that I am currently working on for the 2018 session aimed at helping our local situation, as well as the rest of rural Minnesota. Rural healthcare has moved to a crisis level, and the legislature needs to act on this issue.
On Tuesday evening, Quorum Health Services released the results of their report concerning the feasibility of having a full service acute care hospital in Albert Lea. This report was commissioned and paid for by the Albert Lea City Council, Freeborn County Board of Commissioners, and the Save Our Hospital organization. For me, this report is a valuable resource when looking to tackle issues specific to our community.
In light of the new report, I believe it is important that we move forward carefully and thoughtfully with the hospital situation in Albert Lea while leaving all options open (as the Quorum report stated), and always keeping in mind the goals of high quality healthcare, good access, and affordable prices. Please continue to contact me with your suggestions for ways to improve rural healthcare.
Licensing Issue
I’ve written previously about the state’s new licensing system, MNLARS. This week, the Select Committee on Technology and Responsive Government (of which I am a member) held a hearing to ascertain what’s been fixed and what’s still causing headaches in the MNLARS system. Those in charge of MNLARS said some of the glitches were corrected, but when we heard from registrars, we learned there are still numerous problems still plaguing our local registrars.
These problems need to be fixed quickly so both our privately owned and public registrars can assist those looking to transfer a title, update license plates, etc. We’ve had this system since July, and Minnesotans expect it to work properly. We’re working in the legislature to identify problems to help the state come up with solutions. If you’ve experienced any difficulties at a license center, please contact me or visit this link to share your story.
Congratulations!
I wanted to say a big congrats to the Alden-Conger Supermileage Team on taking second place in the international competition in Milan, Italy! This is such a great activity for our local students to gain knowledge and experience that can potentially change the future of cars. Way to go, team!
Please Contact Me
Feel free to call or email if you have questions about these topics, or any other state issue; I’d love to hear from you.
Have a great weekend,
Peggy