Health & Fitness
Updates on MNsure, news from MMB, the shutdown, and more.
There has been a lot going on in recent weeks, here are some highlights from our busy interim!
MNsure Launches!
On October 1st, Minnesota’s health insurance exchange as required under the Affordable Care Act went live! Open enrollment runs through March 31, 2014, and coverage begins January 1, 2014.
For the first time, Minnesotans can shop for and compare insurance plans side-by-side from different insurance companies. MNsure will help individuals and families find a plan that fits their health coverage needs and budget, provide competition and choice, and offer assistance for people to enroll. If you receive health insurance through your employer or are otherwise happy with your current coverage, there is no need to utilize MNsure or make any changes in your health coverage.
Find out what's happening in Eaganwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Minnesota’s exchange boasts the lowest plan rates in the country, and many Minnesotans will be eligible for federal premium tax credits to further lower costs. More than one million Minnesotans are expected to access health care coverage through MNsure, including 300,000 currently uninsured individuals.
Head to mnsure.org for more information on our new health exchange. If you can’t find your answer there, expert assistance for individuals, families and small businesses is available at 1-855-366-7873 with extended hours during the first week: 7:30 to 10pm M-F, Sat 9 to 4:30pm.
Find out what's happening in Eaganwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Great News from the Office of Minnesota Management and Budget
On September 30, Minnesota Management and Budget announced that Fiscal Year 2013 ended with a preliminary budget balance of $636 million. That means all but $237.6 million of the $2.8 billion borrowed from our schools following the 2011 state government shutdown will have been paid back. If the economy continues to grow, the entire remaining amount could be repaid by the end of 2013. This is a testament to how responsible budgets and fiscal stability are beneficial to our schools and our entire economy.During the 2013 legislative session, the legislature made education a top priority, and passed the largest investment in E-12 education in over a decade. This repayment builds on that investment and further strengthens the state’s partnership with local school districts. Our students deserve proper investments in public education. Our world-class schools are the engine of our economy and will keep Minnesota’s workforce competitive in the 21st century.
Minnesota Ranks #8 on Forbes “Best for Business” List
Forbes recently named Minnesota as the 8th best state for business. This ranking should not be a surprise to anyone who looks at actual economic data. Compared to the rest of the nation Minnesota has low unemployment, high educational attainment, and strong employment growth.
According to the Forbes, the ranking was driven by the state’s improved economic outlook, high level of high school graduates, numerous large corporations and “With its good schools, low poverty rate and healthy population, the state also scores well on quality of life measurements.”
These rankings also tell us a lot about what’s important for future growth. Forbes included a growth prospects category as part of the overall business ranking. Surprisingly business cost, regulatory environment, economic climate, and quality of life rankings have no correlation with growth prospects rankings. Only labor supply rankings show some positive correlation to growth prospects. In other words, states that rank high in college and high school education attainment and were able to attract new workers ranked higher in future economic growth.
Therefore, it’s clear that creating, attracting and retaining the world’s best workforce is key to Minnesota long-term success, and we can do more to improve our workforce. Despite being the 8th best place for business, Minnesota was only 18th in labor supply and 13th in growth prospects. Investments throughout our entire education system are needed, from pre kindergarten to post graduate in order to increase the value of our workforce and our future economic success.
Federal Shutdown
Unfortunately as you well know, the US House were unable to reach a continuing budget agreement with the Senate and the President before the October 1 start of the fiscal year and as a result the federal government is in shutdown. More than 30,000 Minnesotans are currently on furlough from work due to the shutdown. For more information on how the shutdown affects Minnesota, read this FAQ from MPR News. You can contact your representatives in Washington at the numbers below.
Congressman John Kline
Phone: (952) 808-1213
Senator Amy Klobuchar
Phone: (612) 727-5220
Senator Al Franken
Phone: (651) 221-1016
Coming Up
Event: MNsure for Small Businesses
I invite all small business owners to an educational forum on MNsure on October 7, 2013 at Stephano’s Restaurant in Burnsville. MNsure is Minnesota’s health insurance exchange required under the Affordable Care Act. With open enrollment beginning on Oct. 1, 2013, this important marketplace will allow small business owners to shop, compare and buy insurance.
This event is sponsored by Small Business Minnesota and provides an opportunity for small business owners and managers to get the facts directly from state experts. Presentations include information on requirements, costs, coverage, tax credits, and more.
Date: Monday, Oct. 7, 2013
Time: 5:15 pm - Networking
6-7:30 pm – Program and Q&A
Place: Stephano’s Restaurant (banquet Room)
11849 Millpond Ave.,
Burnsville, MN 55337
Cost: Program – Free
Networking hour with appetizers and cash bar: $15
RSVP: Please do so for the restaurant count, but not require for attendance
www.smallbusinessmn.org
Speakers include Neil Rolland, MNsure SHOP director (MNsure for small business). Rolland brings more than 22 years of healthcare leadership experience in the private market. Prior to this position, Rolland served as director of underwriting for BlueCross BlueShield of Minnesota and HealthPartners provider relations and contracting senior director. In addition, Mr. Rolland has held several executive level positions with MinuteClinic, HCC Life, Virtual Radiologic and American TeleCare. Rolland holds a bachelor’s degree from St. Olaf College and master’s degree in leadership from University of St. Thomas.
Around District 51
Crime Alert: Garages
Over the past week, Eagan Police Officers responded to several garage burglaries. Please remember to close your garage doors and lock your vehicles while parked in your driveway. For additional information, click here. Door-to-Door Solicitation Rules
Due to storms our district endured this summer, many residents are in need of roofing repairs, and as a result you may be experiencing a higher number of door-to-door solicitations for contractors. We have heard from some constituents who are concerned about aggressive practices by these door-to-door solicitors. While most solicitors have good intentions, it’s very important to understand the rules that apply to door-to-door solicitations to protect yourself from possible scams. For more information on these rules, click here.Thank you.
Thank you for your interest in our community and our state. I am thankful to be serving our district and Minnesota this session. You can also keep up with me at my Senate website, click on the “In Touch with Senator Carlson” link at www.senate.mn/senatorcarlson.
Sincerely,
Jim Carlson
