Dear Neighbors,
The second week of the 2017 legislative session is almost concluded, committees are meeting, and we’ve already passed a tax reduction bill and begun work on relief for Minnesotans on the private health insurance market. Last week, I took the oath of office to begin my third term in our beautiful and newly updated Capitol building. I encourage you to visit and take a tour if you are in St. Paul to see some of the amazing work that has been happening inside and outside the Capitol to preserve and restore this symbol of our democracy. It is an honor to continue serving you, and I’m humbled by the trust placed in me to keep fighting for our region.
2017 COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
I have been appointed to the House Environment & Natural Resources Policy and Finance committee, the Job Growth & Energy Affordability Policy and Finance committee, the subcommittee on Mining, Forestry, and Tourism, and the Transportation Finance committee for the 2017-2018 legislative sessions.
These committee assignments follow the recommendation of Minority Leader Melissa Hortman and the official appointment by House Speaker Kurt Daudt. The work conducted on these committees is instrumental to the effectiveness and efficiency of our state government, including setting our overall state budget for several agencies and industries important to our region, and funding vital statewide road and bridge projects that improve public infrastructure, among other assets shared by every Minnesotan.
TAX BILL PASSES – TAX FILING HELP ON THE WAY
The first bill before the House passed unanimously last Thursday. The Tax Conformity bill matches Minnesota’s income tax laws with new breaks passed by the federal government and will benefit 178,000 Minnesotans. Passing tax conformity early will enable tax forms and computer programs to be up to date when you file your 2016 taxes and help Minnesotans to maximize their refunds.
PROVIDING RELIEF FOR HIGH INSURANCE PREMIUMS
Rates for Minnesotans buying health insurance for 2017 on their own without an employer plan have jumped dramatically – as much as 60%. We need to provide immediate relief to these individuals and families.
I support the Governor’s proposal to provide an immediate 25% rebate to 125,000 Minnesotans. With the insurance enrollment deadline of January 31, families need to know costs now so they can weigh their options.
Republicans in the House and Senate have introduced separate proposals that include significant long-term changes. While some long-term reform is certainly in order, we must be sure it doesn’t further destabilize the private insurance market. Instead of rushing through reforms that need input from the public and industry leaders, we should focus on providing immediate relief to Minnesotans. Long-term reforms should be thoughtful, not reckless, and Minnesotans need help now.
You can still get coverage if you are uninsured. Go to www.MNsure.org to explore your options. Open enrollment for private insurance ends January 31. After that, you can always see if you qualify for MinnesotaCare (our affordable program for modest income workers), Medical Assistance, or private insurance if you’ve had a major life event (lost your job and coverage, marriage, birth or adoption).
STAY IN TOUCH
I always encourage you to contact me with questions or concerns on legislative issues at Rep.Mike.Sundin@house.mn or 651-296-4308 or toll free at 800-788-1329.
For gavel-to-gavel video coverage of the House, here is a list of sources you can follow to stay updated on House committee and floor coverage:
Broadcast television schedule:
www.house.mn/htv/htv.asp
Broadcast television channels:
www.house.mn/htv/channel.pdf
Webcast/mobile streaming schedule:
www.house.mn/htv/schedule.asp
YouTube:
www.youtube.com/user/MNHouseInfo
Sincerely,
Mike Sundin
State Representative – District 11A