Sen. John Hottinger’s (D-St. Peter) bill proposing that affordable basic health care become a constitutional right in Minnesota was sent to the Senate Rules and Administration Committee.

Before passing the bill to rules, the Senate Health and Family Security Committee, chaired by Sen. Becky Lourey (D-Kerrick) heard testimony about the need for health care.

 "I lost my job at Cornelius (Steel) because of bad trade deals," said Bonnie Collins, an associate member of the United Steelworkers. There were about 450 factory workers and several office workers who used to make a good wage and have good benefits.

 "Now, we’ve lost our jobs, people can’t afford health insurance and they’re going without the prescriptions they need. People I used to work with are calling me, saying they can’ afford to buy medicine. That’s not right."

 "I hope you can help us get good affordable health care."