Paul Thissen: Innovation in Action

Statement on Launch of White House Office of Social Innovation and Civic Participation

Read Full Entry…

Everyone Counts – Enhance the Census Count for Minnesota

Introduction/Background

2010 Census Awaits: An undercount of Minnesota residents will likely result in our loss of one Congressional district. In addition, an inaccurate population assessment will reduce our ability to identify needs for crucial services.

My Idea

While most of the work will conclude prior to the Election, Rep. Thissen can add the emphasis of Minnesotans’ full Census participation as a pillar of his campaign. Campaign stops can feature distribution of literature explaining the significance of being counted. This would appeal to residents’ pride in our state, and draw a meaningful contrast with recent comments from political figures that are suggesting the opposite.

Read Full Entry...

Health Care: The Vision

My vision of health care in Minnesota is simple. Minnesota has to be a place where every man, woman, and child can see a doctor or nurse for the care they need when they need it, regardless of their income and regardless of where they live in the state. Period.

I’ve worked passionately toward achieving that goal as Chair of the House Health and Human Services Policy Committee. And it’s where I will lead this state if I’m elected the next Governor.

No other candidate for Governor can match my record in carrying and passing legislation to get health care coverage to more Minnesotans. I’m proud to be the Chief Author of a law that covered more than 20,000 kids, just this year, and created a public health option for every child in the state of Minnesota.

Leadership that focuses on these kinds of bold and practical solutions that’s what we need to get this critical job done. Please visit our website to learn more about my ideas for delivering on Minnesota’s health care promise.

Health Care: The Details

Getting health care right is the single biggest make or break issue for Minnesota’s future. So what do we do?

First, let’s agree on what a Minnesota family can reasonably afford for health care, and make a commitment to cover the costs that exceed that standard. It’s simply unacceptable in Minnesota that 240,000 families with insurance pay more than 25% of their income on health care. We can do better than that. And let’s stop denying coverage for pre-existing conditions.

Second, let’s act aggressively to bring down costs. Right now health care is simply too expensive for Minnesota families, for business, for government, for everyone. We need to shrink those costs — and do it smartly. Without leaving behind our most vulnerable citizens. Without compromising the high quality of care we’ve come to expect in Minnesota. And without stifling the leadership and innovation that we’re known for at places like the University of Minnesota and the Mayo Clinic.

We can cut more waste from the system whether it’s eliminating it from insurance companies or from hospitals and clinics. From government agencies or high-profit-margin drugs. I’m proud of the work that I’ve done in the Legislature to increase efficiency and reduce waste.

At the same time, let’s create communities that promote health and make sure that every Minnesotan has both the incentive and the support needed to stay healthy. A renewed commitment to public health in our state will bring enormous long-term rewards.

Beyond that, we need to fundamentally transform how we conceive of health care and how we pay for it. We should be paying our health care professionals to keep people healthy instead of waiting for people to get sick and then paying for procedures.

This work isn’t easy. It’s going to take more than words and promises to make it happen. It’s going to take clear vision and action and persistence. I am committed to making health care reform happen in this state. Health care reform that benefits everybody.That’s my commitment to you as the next governor of Minnesota. We can solve our health care crisis if we act together.

SD19 DFL Trap Shoot

Paul, engaged in conversation,  at the SD19 Trap Shoot in Buffalo, MN.