The Health Care Mess
Nov 28, 2007 News
On Tuesday November 27, at Java Live, Faribault, MN, I introduced Kip Sullivan to a local gathering of citizens. He presented for about an hour on many topics of current and future health care issues. These topics included:
…A history of the U. S. Health Insurance System
…Waste, Fraud and High Fees within the Health Care system
…Debunking the myth that the rising cost of health care is a result of malpractice suits
…Why high-deductible policies and tax credits won't work
…Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) – and why they are not the answer
…Why Medicare for everyone is the best plan
The discussion after was lively and diverse, Rep. Patti Fritz was present also and talked about the good work she has been doing in the area of long term care and thanked Kip for his work.
Kip Sullivan has dedicated his life to these issues and is extremely well versed in the history of health care insurance. His predictions give fair warning and should be considered. His ideas give legislators a lot to think about.
His book, "The Health Care Mess – How We Got Into It and How We'll Get Out of It," is a good read loaded with information. READ THE BOOK! It will open your eyes and move you to action.
Health Care Forum
Nov 26, 2007 Health Care, News
Have you seen the movie "SiCKO?" Do you have health care stories too? Then join me Tuesday, 6 p.m., November 27 at Java Live in Faribault, 313 Central Ave N, to hear Kip Sullivan talk about what's wrong with our current health care system and how to fix it.
Mr. Sullivan is a long time health care expert and author of the book "The Health Care Mess, How we got into it and how we'll get out of it."
I would like to hear your stories and bring them to a new group I formed called the "Progressive Health Care Reform Caucus" whose purpose is to find Minnesota solutions to our health care problems.
If you cannot attend feel free to e-mail me or call with your health care questions and stories.
Mayor’s Energy Task Force
The latest news reports tell us that consumers will be paying more this year for their Thanksgiving dinners. Not only for the food they put on their tables but for the energy that brought it there – as well as the energy they use to prepare their traditional Thanksgiving meal.
Energy and food prices will continue to be a local concern of residents in rural areas and an issue that the legislature is very concerned about. Recently, I have been meeting with a group of volunteers exploring local initiatives for energy conservation and potential production of energy in the Northfield area. This group has the recognition and support of the mayor and city council to pursue a variety of ideas.
On October 10th they met at the NCRC to discuss and encourage small groups to pursue a variety of ideas.
I assisted the energy task force in meeting with Mike Bull of the Dept. of Commerce and with Xcel Energy to explore effective strategies to reduce energy costs for citizens and look into potential energy partnerships – perhaps even a wind turbine project. I am hoping to bring together other local government officials to talk about ways to help communities save on energy costs in the near future.
For more information about the Northfield Mayor’s Energy Task Force call or e-mail me.
ROBERT STREET TRANSIT PUBLIC WORKSHOPS TO BE HELD
Nov 17, 2007 News
I received the following update from Rep. Rick Hansen and thought I would pass it on:
The public can attend one of three workshops at the end of November and early December where comments will be collected as part of the Robert Street Corridor Transit Feasibility Study. The study will evaluate transit alternatives to identify opportunities and impacts to improve transit along the Robert Street corridor.
Transit options being considered along primary county transportation corridors include light rail transit, bus rapid transit, modern streetcars, and express buses. Possible corridors include Robert Street and South Robert Trail, Highways 52 and 55, Highway 110 and Mendota Road, Yankee Doodle Road and 80th Street, and County Road 42.
Workshops will be held at:
Dakota County Northern Service Center
1 Mendota Road W., West St. Paul
Wednesday, Nov. 28, 3:30 p.m.-6 p.m., presentation at 4 p.m.Dakota County Technical College
1300 145th St. E. (County 42), Rosemount
Thursday, Nov. 29, 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m., presentation at 6:30 p.m.
(in the Dakota Room- off west parking lot)Paul and Sheila Wellstone Center for Community Building
179 Robie St. E., St. Paul
Wednesday, Dec. 5, 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m., presentation at 6 p.m.The workshops are part of Dakota County’s development of a long-term transit vision for the County. The study, conducted in collaboration with the Dakota County Regional Railroad Authority, Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority and local municipalities provides local decision makers and stakeholders with tools to develop transportation solutions to congestion and transportation issues for the future. To guide the study, the County hired a consultant, URS Corporation, and assembled a Technical Advisory Committee and a Steering Committee, which includes elected officials and staff from throughout the study area.
The study area extends from downtown Saint Paul to Rosemount and from Highway 35E to the Mississippi River. It includes the cities of Saint Paul, West St. Paul, South St. Paul, Lilydale, Sunfish Lake, Inver Grove Heights, and portions of Mendota, Mendota Heights, Rosemount, and Eagan. The study will also consider transportation opportunities in the Umore Park area. Population in the corridor is expected to increase by 44 percent, and employment by 27 percent by the year 2030.
For more information visit: www.dakotacounty.us and enter “Robert Street” in the search feature. Dakota County’s Office of Transit coordinates public transit planning services for Dakota County residents. The Office’s mission is to improve existing and future mobility needs within Dakota County through comprehensive transit planning and innovative and progressive project development.
Deadline for High School Page Program is coming up
Nov 5, 2007 News
November 16th is the deadline for applications to the House of Representatives Page Program for High School Juniors. Here are some details from the Sergeant at Arms webpage:
The Minnesota High School Page Program offers students a unique opportunity to examine what they have learned in the classroom under real life circumstances. During every program week, students participate in a wide variety of activities; each designed to further their understanding of our state government and the legislative process. Some of these activities are:
- Individual meetings with state representatives designed to allow students to discuss the issues that matter most to them.
- Experiencing the legislative process firsthand by assisting members during legislative session.
- Participating in a mock committee session designed to develop students' leadership skills and to inspire them to think critically about the issues confronting our state.
- Providing students with the opportunity to meet with constitutional officers, members of the judiciary, lobbyists, and members of the media.
We strongly encourage social studies teachers, counselors, and school administrators to aggressively promote the High School Page Program in their schools. The diversity and competitiveness of the applicant pool is a crucial aspect of the program's continued success. By advocating the program in the classroom, in daily announcements, and in conversations with students, you not only ensure your students are aware of this tremendous opportunity; but you will also contribute to the continued success of the High School Page Program. This will ensure the High School Page Program will remain a rewarding and meaningful experience for Minnesota students.
Eligibility
The Minnesota House of Representatives High School Page Program is open to all Minnesota high school students in their junior year, whether they attend public or private schools, or are home schooled.2008 Program Dates
Week 1: February 18 - 22, 2008
Week 2: February 25 - 29, 2008
Week 3: March 3 - 7, 2008
Week 4: March 10 - 14, 2008
Week 5: March 31 - April 4, 2008
Week 6: April 7 - 11, 2008
Week 7: April 14 - 18, 2008
Week 8: April 21 - 25, 2008
Week 9: April 28 - May 2, 2008
Week 10: May 5 - 9, 2008
Several students from my district have taken advantage of this excellent program and enjoyed it very much. You can find out more information and get an application form by following this link to the webpage: here
GRANT OPPORTUNITY – Training future health care workers
Nov 5, 2007 News
The State Register has an announcement regarding a $139,000 grant program in FY 2008, with a maximum of single award of $40,000. The grants are intended to develop intergenerational programs to encourage middle and high school students to work and volunteer in health care and long-term care settings. The Minnesota Departments of Health and Education are taking applications from school districts, health and/or long-term care employers, and higher education. Prior awards ranged from $5,000 to $20,000. Grant awards will be announced by December 17, 2007, for the contract period beginning January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008. Applications are due at 4 pm on November 30, 2007. For more information, you can see the announcement by following this link to page 783 of today's State Register: here
You can also get an application by going to this link: here
VETERANS JOB FAIR
Nov 5, 2007 News
Many Minnesota soldiers have recently returned home from Iraq and Afghanistan. They have spent the last weeks and months readjusting to life at home. Many are eager to move forward with their lives now by returning to school or seeking employment. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development is helping in that effort through an initiative they are calling "Hire Vets First." In that effort, DEED is hosting a veterans job fair on Tuesday, November 6th to connect veteran job-seekers with over 100 local employers. The event is being held at the Earle-Brown Heritage Center at:
6155 Earle Brown Drive in Minneapolis from 11:00am to 4:30pm
