Hello neighbors! Here are a few notes from the Capitol.
Capitol Conversations
On Thursday, the MN House passed House File 1 (H.F. 1)—I did not vote for it. The 5% of Minnesotans who are facing astronomical monthly premium increases need relief now. Unfortunately, H.F. 1 does not specifically address this need because it was written to overhaul the healthcare system. I do not dispute reform is needed and we should work together to increase health care access and coverage.
But under H.F. 1, relief to those 5% will be delivered after a $20 million system is implemented, 100 temporary state workers are hired and those 5% of Minnesotans find, fill out and submit their applications for relief—which will then come in 2018.
Additionally, the bill eliminates the requirement for insurance plans to cover autism spectrum disorder treatments, maternity benefits, cancer treatment, diabetes, mental health, hearing aids for children, and more. You can look at all of the health care needs that are at risk in these two sections of Minnesota statutes: 62A and 62Q.
I voted for an amendment that would have provided the affected 5%--those buying insurance on the individual market---a 25% reduction in monthly premiums. While not a perfect solution, it was the immediate relief Minnesotans need.
What I’m doing
This week I met with constituents from the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities, toured the Dakota County Byllesby Dam, joined the Civil Air Patrol and began collaborating with some of my Republican colleagues to address issues of clean energy, housing and education.
My Notable Bills:
HF270: Military veteran’s jobs tax credit
HF146: Funding for full service community schools
HF47: Byllesby Dam Funding
HF346: Reform and increase of funding for peace officer training in: conflict management, cultural diversity and crisis response
HF365: Student Loan Tax Credit
Let me know if you want to learn more about any of my bills I have introduced!
Dontcha know? (Something interesting I learned):
There is zero time built into the legislature’s schedule that allows members to meet, talk and work with members who are in the other party or on other committees. I’ve been hunting down the offices of GOP members who serve in our region or are passionate about issues like mine (education and equity to name two). Though it takes some extra effort, I’ve found this to be well worth my time and look forward to the bi-partisan work we’ll produce together. Stay tuned!
Uffdah! (What worries me)
Conference Committee. After the Senate and House passed different, but very similar, versions of the health care bill (House and Senate Files 1), they were referred to “conference committee”-- where three to five members of the House and Senate reconcile the differences between the bills and work out more details. Many times during discussion of H.F. 1, questions about the bill were answered with “that will be worked out in conference committee”. I find it absurd members of the legislature would be asked to vote for a bill whose details are not finalized while also leaving those members out of the detail-finalizing process. Further, I’m troubled by how many big decisions for Minnesotans are being made by a few people behind closed door. This process ultimately removes representation—thus, our voices—from the policy making process.
If you have any questions or concerns please reach out, I am here to represent you.
Erin Maye Quade
State Representative