Dear Neighbors,
First, I want to thank everyone who has called and sent emails to share their views. It is helpful to hear directly from you and helps me focus on the things that are important to our community.
Here are a few things I want to share from the past week:
Health Insurance Premium Relief
One of the issues that everyone agrees we need to address is relief for the 120,000 Minnesotans who buy their health insurance on the individual market. Last week, we voted on the House Republican version of the solution, which would delay premium relief until 2018. The bill was also amended to allow for-profit insurance companies to sell junk insurance that doesn’t actually insure people for things such as emergency services, cancer screening, and services related to autism, Lyme’s disease, mental health, maternal and newborn care, and many other necessary medical services.
Because of that, I voted no on House File 1. However, the bill passed and there is now a conference committee, where State Senators and Representatives will work together towards a compromise. I’m hopeful a resolution can be reached that provides immediate relief and doesn’t force Minnesotans to gamble with junk insurance.
Women’s March
On Saturday I joined 100,000 of my fellow Minnesotans as we marched for women’s rights. It was inspiring to see so many people standing up for our shared values and the future we want for our country. Three generations of my family participated in the march, as I was able to attend with my daughter and my mom.
Increased Funds for Police Officer Training
As a prosecutor, I know how important it is for our law enforcement officers to be equipped with the tools they need to keep our communities safe. I am happy to share that I am a co-author of a bipartisan bill for increased officer training in the areas of crisis response, conflict management and cultural diversity. The bill is chief authored by Rep. Tony Cornish, the Chair of the Public Safety & Security Committee, so I’m hopeful it will pass and become law.
Meetings with Constituents
One of the most important parts of my job is meeting with constituents. It helps me to know what is important to all of you in 42B. This past week I visited with constituents and staff at a group home for people with disabilities in Vadnais Heights, met with a small business owner in Roseville about expanding his local business, and met with our Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor to talk about the flooding problems related to Grass Lake in Shoreview. I also invited a local parent and PTA member to attend Governor Dayton’s State of the State address with me last night.
As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me with questions and concerns! Again, thank you for the opportunity to serve as your voice at the Capitol,
Jamie