Dayton Urges Leaders To Forge MNsure Fix Ahead Of Open Enrollment

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Gov. Mark Dayton sent a letter Tuesday to top DFL and Republican leaders, urging them to come together on a plan to help the Minnesotans who look to see a sharp increase in the cost of their health care premiums.

The letter went out to Speaker of the House Kurt Daudt, House Minority Leader Paul Thissen, Senate Majority Leader Thomas Bakk, and House Minority Leader David Hamm.

In the letter, the governor reiterated his proposal last week to use $313 million in rainy day funds to help the thousands of Minnesotans who'll struggle to afford their health care premiums next year.

Dayton is hoping lawmakers on both sides can come to an agreement on a plan by Nov. 1, when the MNsure Open Enrollment period begins. He says that as soon as a plan is agreed upon, there can be talk of a special session, which the governor says he's willing to call.

If there is no plan in place by Nov. 1, Dayton said he's willing to see efforts for a plan continue for a short time thereafter.

As for now, however, he's placed the ball in the hands of the caucus leaders to come to him with a plan both sides can agree on.