HomeMy WebLinkAbout22-036 - ADMIN Resolution - City Council - 2022/02/22Resolution No. 22-036
Resolution supporting the Minnesota Health Plan and Medicare for All Act
Whereas, the St. Louis Park City Council recognizes the systemic issues and harm
residents experience in using the current system of seeking services in a profit -based health
care system;
Whereas, the St. Louis Park City Council affirmed in their Vision 3.0 statement that the
city is committed to “being a leader in racial equity and inclusion in order to create a more just
and inclusive community for all”;
Whereas, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) are disproportionately
represented among uninsured persons in St. Louis Park, with the following combined rates of
uninsurance in zip codes 55416 and 55426 (State Health Data Assistance Center, 2021): White
1.85%, American Indian 4.6%, Black/African American 6.65%, Asian 7.95%, Hispanic/Latinx
15.2%;
Whereas, many St. Louis Park residents with health care coverage still cannot afford the
care they need due to co-payments, deductibles, and care not covered by insurance; which also
disproportionately impacts BIPOC residents who are disproportionately low-income due to
systemic barriers;
Whereas, emergency responses to mental health crises have increased in volume and
complexity which consume a growing portion of public safety resources in St. Louis Park;
Whereas, the Minnesota Health Plan and Medicare for All Act require the prompt
provision of mental health care for everyone who needs it;
Whereas, health insurance costs are a financial barrier to the growth and expansion of
St. Louis Park businesses, which employ and serve residents and contribute to the vita lity of our
city;
Whereas, the city allocates a portion of the general fund budget annually to pay the
costs of health insurance for employees and currently has committed to paying more than $2.8
million for health insurance premiums in 2022;
Whereas, the Minnesota Health Plan and Medicare for All Act would reduce costs,
expand coverage, and guarantee health care for all residents of St. Louis Park;
Now therefore be it resolved, that the St. Louis Park City Council affirms that health
care is a human right and, therefore, endorses the Minnesota Health Plan and the Medicare for
All Act.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 4786D94E-6265-4020-8890-9C81E4EEAE17
Resolution No. 22-036 2
Be it further resolved, a statement supporting this legislation will be included in the
City’s 2022 Legislative Priorities.
Reviewed for administration: Adopted by the city council February 22, 2022
Kim Keller, city manager Jake Spano, mayor
Attest:
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk
DocuSign Envelope ID: 4786D94E-6265-4020-8890-9C81E4EEAE17