LOCAL BRIEFS

ST. PAUL - Sen. Mary Olson, DFL-Bemidji, proposed a bill calling for a study on how to implement a statewide health plan purchasing pool and design a "fee-for-service" reimbursement system.

Olson and Sen. Sharon Erickson, DFL-Winona, a registered nurse, announced the initiative they hope will move the state toward a more streamlined and cost-effective model for health care. The bill encourages "best practices" to contain the cost of health care by making sure patients get the necessary tests and procedures.

"Health care shouldn't be commodity," Olson said. "We've seen major changes in health care in the last few decades and most of those changes have taken away the power from the patient and the doctor and put it in the hands of managers and HMOs."

Padgett to compete in Special Olympics

Mike Padgett of Brainerd will compete in the Minnesota Special Olympics figure skating competition on March 9 at the Ames Arena in Lakeville.

He will compete between noon and 3 p.m.

Eleanor Fraser-Taylor of Minneapolis will coach Padgett, a popular figure at the Gregory Park skating rink. Fraser-Taylor will meet Padgett Saturday at Gregory Park to work on the routine that he will use during competition. Fraser-Taylor will bring three Special Olympian competitors with her to Gregory Park to help encourage Padgett in his endeavor.

It has always been a dream of Padgett's to compete in the Special Olympics.

Saturday's practice will coincide with the annual Gregory Park Valentine's Day skating party. Area residents are encouraged to attend the event.

Feb. 11-17 is Child Passenger Safety Week

This year for Child Passenger Safety Week, Feb. 11-17, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety has provided more than 2,100 private and public schools as well as day care centers with child passenger safety-themed valentines for kindergarten through fourth-grade students to color and give to parents.

In Minnesota, three-fourths of child seats are used incorrectly.

The valentines focus on the importance of booster seats for children age 4 to 8 and are available online at www.buckleupkids.state. mn.us.

The valentines are an interactive, creative and educational tool. Teachers can accompany the valentine activity by presenting a game-filled lesson plan also available online.