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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Rob Ecklund (DFL)

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Legislative Update - January 12, 2017

Thursday, January 12, 2017

Hello Northlanders!

Committee schedules are picking up steam in St. Paul as session gets busier and busier.

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 families.
That’s why I support the Governor’s proposal to provide a 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. Instead of rushing through major 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’re uninsured. Go to 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). 

Sincerely,

Rob Ecklund
State Representative