I am writing in support of Mary Olson for State Senator for District 4. Mary has four years of experience working in the State Senate, and has fifteen years of experience as an attorney. She knows first-hand how the lack of consumer protection can hurt individuals and families. One of her goals is to pass legislation that tips the scales back to better protection for people, especially in the area of making health care financially accessible to all. Another area on which she wants to focus is legislation that would address the reimbursement disparity for hospitals and nursing homes that exists between the metro area and rural areas. According to The World Factbook statistics posted on the Central Intelligence Agency website, www.cia.gov , the United States ranks 45th in the world for infant mortality rates, which is "often used as an indicator of the level of health in a country." We have a higher infant mortality rate than 44 other countries including Cuba, Taiwan, Canada, and much of Europe. Senator Olson went to Canada to learn from those who are working in that medical system. She continues to inform and educate herself on these issues, and in her own words (from her website): "I will continue to be one of the most outspoken voices at the Capitol in support of affordable access to quality healthcare in rural Minnesota."
Senator Olson has more information about healthcare and other issues at http://www.olson4sen ate4.com. Educate yourself, go to forums and debates, ask questions of Senator Olson and then vote in November. Please join with me to re-elect Senator Olson as the Senator for District 4!
Leanne Jaskowiak
Bemidji
