Dear Neighbors,
I hope you’ve all had a great week. Before we head to another beautiful fall weekend, here’s an update from our capitol.
Ceremonial Bill Signing
On Tuesday, I met with Governor Dayton for a ceremonial signing of two of my bills that were passed into law last session. My first bill passed by the legislature this session, House File 262, streamlines government processes to help Minnesota business owners and property developers save time and money as they work to have properties approved for construction. I was pleased to be able to work with many business owners and concerned citizens in our community to bring our plat laws into the 21st century.
Governor Dayton also held a ceremonial signing of HF1770, which gives local courts the ability to handle judgments involving non-residents. This was an important step forward as we seek to give more control to local governments and ease judicial processes for our community members.
The legislature passed both of these bills with strong bipartisan support. I’m grateful to the governor for signing both bills into law and for inviting me to the ceremonial signing.
MNsure
Just yesterday, the Minnesota Department of Commerce released startling premium increases on individuals enrolled in healthcare plans through MNsure. While Democrats promised a cost savings of $500, we found out that some will have an incredible 49% increase of their health insurance premium. An average adult in our community could see an increase of $113 per month. That’s simply unaffordable for the majority of Minnesotans, and it is unacceptable after continued promises by Governor Dayton and Democrats of the benefits of MNsure.
With Maple Grove Hospital and several wonderful clinics in our district, I know that recent poor healthcare choices at the government level hurt Minnesotans with rising costs and decreased options. Last session, House Republicans worked to reform MNsure to help lower prices and increase competition. Since then, I’ve had productive meetings with local healthcare leaders, who expressed to me their concerns with the current system and offered their ideas for solutions. We’ve all agreed that Minnesota families should be keeping more of their paycheck and receiving the great care that they’ve come to know. As we approach the 2016 legislative session, I am committed to working with my colleagues and our local leaders to reform a system that is hurting – not helping – hardworking Minnesota families, allowing them to keep more of their hard-earned money rather than subsidizing a failed government experiment.
Real ID Update
This week, officials from the Department of Homeland Security met with the Civil Law and Data Practices Committee and other legislators to discuss Minnesota’s compliance with the federal Real ID Act. As you may remember from my last update, there is some concern that Minnesota’s lack of compliance with the Real ID Act will keep our residents from flying in the near future. Like I said before, there’s no need to panic. Provided our state continues to inspect and take steps toward implementing a secure ID system, the federal government has assured us that we should be receiving an extension to allow you and your family to fly with ease using your current IDs.
The Civil Law and Data Practices Committee, of which I am the vice-chair, is continuing to meet with federal officials regarding Real ID as we approach the 2016 legislative session. I continue to support a solution that protects your private information, and will thoroughly investigate Real ID in order to ensure all laws passed by our state protect you and your family.
I’m thankful for all of the great feedback I’ve received throughout the interim. Hearing your concerns, touring your businesses, and learning more about your family and our schools helps me craft legislation to ensure that you can thrive in Maple Grove and Osseo. Please continue to contact my office at 651-296-5502 or Rep.Dennis.Smith@house.mn to share your thoughts or invite me to your favorite community events. I look forward to hearing from you!
Have a great weekend,
Dennis