Free Republic

A Minnesota lawmaker was killed and another wounded early Saturday in what authorities believe were targeted attacks at the homes of Democratic state officials. State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were killed when a gunman impersonating a police officer arrived at their Brooklyn Park home at around 3.35 am, Governor Tim Walz revealed during a press briefing. 'We're here today because an unspeakable tragedy has unfolded,' Walz said. 'State Representative Melissa Hortman, a Democrat, was assassinated, and her husband Mark was also killed.' State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were also shot multiple times at their...

BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. (FOX 9) - Two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses were shot by someone impersonating a police officer, sources confirmed to FOX 9. Sen. John Hoffman and Rep. Melissa Hortman, as well as their spouses, were shot in the overnight shootings in Champlin and Brooklyn Park, sources told FOX 9's Karen Scullin. Their conditions are not known as of this writing. Hortman, a Democrat from Brooklyn Park, represents District 34B. Hoffman, a Democrat from Champlin, represents Senate District 34.

In 49 states, there are basically two options for public health insurance programs: Medicaid for the very poor, and subsidized private health insurance on the Affordable Care Act's exchanges for everyone else. Minnesota is the exception. Unlike every other state, it has a third option in the middle: MinnesotaCare. Created in the 1990s, MinnesotaCare covers people who earn too much money for Medical Assistance (Minnesota's Medicaid program) but not enough to qualify for MNsure, the state's health insurance exchange.

Enrollments nearly tripled between Oct. 14 and Nov. 2. Expectations are for increased enrollment before Dec. 15 deadline. Still, the bulk of the 10,940 plans purchased in the first month are covered through the government-backed health programs of MinnesotaCare and Medical Assistance. Just 1,744 people have signed up for private plans. Sign-ups from small businesses are much lower. Of the small business accounts opened, 17 have completed enrollment and 10 are in process, according to MNsure.