Dear Neighbors:
The 2017-2018 session opened yesterday in the newly - and beautifully - restored State Capitol. Come for a visit or take a tour of this powerful symbol of our democracy. I hope that the new Legislature will work productively on the many challenges faced by our state. I will certainly work hard to this end. Please see below some opportunities for us to connect later this week.
Health Insurance Premium Relief
One of the biggest recent challenges for many families has been the steep increase in premiums for individual health insurance. Since last fall at least, there has been a broad consensus that this is a crisis requiring immediate relief, even as we look to longer-term reform.
The Governor and DFL caucuses proposed plans months ago for this immediate relief, in the form of a rebate. I've been very disappointed that we have yet to pass these or any other premium-relief plans. On Thursday, my DFL colleagues and I will introduce the Governor's proposal for passage as soon as possible this session. I'll keep you posted; families need this relief.
National Popular Vote
I've heard from many constituents expressing concern about the impact of the Electoral College on the presidential election. On December 19 - the day that the presidential electors met - I joined a number of colleagues to announce our intention to reintroduce the "National Popular Vote" compact, under which the electoral votes of a majority of states would go to the winner of the national popular vote, thus ensuring that the winner of the popular vote would be elected president. The House majority will decide whether the bill gets a hearing.
This Saturday - Chat with Dave
This Saturday, I will host the first "Chat with Dave" for the 2017-2018 session. This is an informal, open event for constituents to talk with me about their concerns. Please join me this Saturday, January 7, anytime from 10:00am to 11:30am at Highland Park Library (1974 Ford Parkway).
This Friday - Prenatal to Three Policy Forum
The next in the quarterly series of Prenatal to Three Policy Forums which I've founded will be held the morning of Friday, January 6 at the University of St. Thomas. It's free and open to the public - see below. Please join us! In the meantime, the Pioneer Press editorial page provided some nice background on the Forums - please check it out the coverage.
Constituent Visits
When you visit the Capitol (see above!), please feel free to stop by my office, Room 321 in the State Office Building. But the best way to be sure to catch me is to make an appointment with my legislative assistant Akolade. His info and the rest of my contact info is on my legislative web page.
Thank you for the honor of serving our community for a second term,
Dave Pinto
State Representative, District 64B
321 State Office Building
(651) 296-4199
www.house.leg.state.mn.us/64b