December 16, 2011
AMC Membership Approves 2012 Legislative Platform Changes The AMC general assembly approved several changes to the 2011-12 Legislative Policy Positions (Platform) at the AMC Annual Conference last week. These changes were reviewed and recommended by the respective AMC Policy Committee the previous day. The revised platform is available on the AMC web site here. Julie Ring Named New AMC Health & Human Services Policy Analyst Julie Ring has been hired as AMC’s new Health and Human Services Policy Analyst, effective January 9, 2012.  The position has been held by Patricia Coldwell, who is retiring in early January, for the past 10 years.	Other News: Copies of the HHS Policy Committee Meeting Materials from last week’s meeting at the annual conference are now available on the AMC website.
Julie has worked as the director of the Local Public Health Association (LPHA) for the past six years. Her most recent positions prior to that time were with the Minnesota Department of Health, where most of her job involved interactions with local public health departments and county boards. She also served as the Department’s legislative staff and oversaw state and federal contracts for the agency.  Julie has a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Economics from University of Minnesota Morris and has done advanced degree work in business administration. In addition to health and human services work with AMC and the Legislature, Julie will coordinate some of the Intergovernmental Services activities at AMC. We are also currently in the process of accepting applicants to fill the General Government Policy Analyst position formerly held by VACANT, whose last day with AMC is today as he has accepted a position with Hennepin County.  AMC plans to begin the interview process the last week of December and have a new analyst onboard in early January. Koch resigns as Senate Majority Leader Minnesota Senator Amy Koch announced late this afternoon that she's not seeking re-election in Senate District 19 and therefore is resigning as Majority Leader of the Minnesota State Senate.  · Read letter from Senator Koch's office Health Reform in Minnesota website MDH now has a new Health Reform in Minnesota website. The purpose of this website is to provide Minnesotans with information on how health reform affects them, their families, and businesses. On this website, you will find basic facts about health reform in Minnesota, and opportunities to connect to activities in our state.
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