Accessibility menu
State Representative Kim Norton
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-9249
For more information contact: Matt Swenson 651-297-8406
Press/News Releases
STATEWIDE HEALTH INSURANCE POOL FOR SCHOOL EMPLOYEES PASSES HOUSE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE BY SLIM MARGIN
ST. PAUL – The House Health and Human Services Committee met yesterday to take action on a bill (HF464) that would create a statewide health insurance pool for all Minnesota public school employees including teachers, administration, and custodians. The bill, being somewhat controversial, inspired a healthy four-hour debate among lawmakers serving on the committee. Rep. Kim Norton of Rochester was one of seven committee members who voted against the bill despite its passage by a slim margin of 8-7.
"As a legislator I believe it is my responsibility to consider the best interest of my constituents first and foremost," said Rep. Norton. "Our school district employees have some of the best insurance coverage in the state and, despite rising health care costs nationwide, the districts self-insured plan has proven efficient as well. Therefore, this bill was not in the best interest of the Rochester school employees I was elected to represent, so I voted against it."
Opponents of the bill, like Norton, argue that while this initiative would benefit small school districts with high insurance premiums, it could potentially negatively impact currently low and affordable health insurance premiums for school employees in large school districts such as Rochester. That is why Rep. Norton introduced an amendment to the bill yesterday that would exempt school districts with 700 employees or more from the bill. Despite support from many members of the committee, the amendment was not adopted.
"I remain committed to looking out for the best interest of school employees in the Rochester school district," said Norton. "After serving eight years on the Rochester School Board, I have an informed understanding of what is, and what is not in the best interest of our students, teachers, and staff. This bill, perhaps helpful to many districts, is not what's best for Rochester, and I will continue working with my colleagues in the Legislature to ensure that the interests of Rochester school employees are addressed."
HF464 will now be heard in the House Commerce and Labor Committee. If passed, it will then proceed to the House floor for a final vote.
News Items
- Rep. Norton Selected as Vice Chair of House Health and Human Services Finance Committee - (Posted: 2012-12-14 00:00:00)
- It’s Time for Legislature to Get Back to Basics, Balance the Budget Honestly - (Posted: 2012-12-11 00:00:00)
- Second Saturday Coffee Meeting Date Changed to December 9 - (Posted: 2012-12-03 00:00:00)
- Archived News Items
- Subscribe to RSS News Feeds
- Read more about RSS.