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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Jennifer Schultz (DFL)

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Legislative Update - January 27, 2017

Friday, January 27, 2017

Dear Neighbors,

This has been a busy week here at the State Capitol with Governor Dayton’s State of the State address Monday night and the release of his biennial budget proposal Tuesday. In his budget, the Governor outlined a solid vision for our state, where every Minnesotan can have an opportunity to succeed, with an economy that works for everyone.

Early on this session, we have worked to provide premium relief for Minnesotans hit hard by massive increases in the individual health insurance market. Not only does the Governor call for a 25 percent premium discount in his budget, he proposes some common sense solutions to stabilize our health insurance system. I’m very encouraged that he has called for a “public option” for all Minnesotans to enroll in MinnesotaCare, a successful program available to working Minnesotans. With current premiums out of reach for many families, along with an unstable private insurance market and uncertainty at the federal level, it’s important we look at creative ways to expand access.

I’m also pleased the Governor has called for a full audit of the private health insurers in Minnesota. Investigating administrative spending of insurers, budget reserves, and payment rates of the plans will enable greater accountability. These reforms along with others, such as increased mental health reimbursements, increased reimbursements for dental coverage, and provisions enabling better continuity of care will provide more access to affordable health care for Minnesotans.

There are other beneficial provisions in the budget as well. It calls for a two percent increase each of the next two years in per-pupil funding for public education, with a $75 million increase in voluntary pre-K to give greater opportunities to our youngest learners. It also contains efforts to reduce the student debt burden with greater investments in the U of M and Minnesota State systems, and it increases the money available to students from the Minnesota State Grant.

The budget proposal includes measures to make child care more affordable, improve water quality, and leverage private investment to create jobs. Finally, he also asked the Legislature to work with him to solve a funding shortfall in our transportation budget over the next 10 years. The Governor’s budget provides Minnesota families with opportunities for a better life.

Over the coming days, House committees will begin reviewing the nuts and bolts of Gov. Dayton’s budget proposal. I hope you will keep in touch with me with your priorities as we look to chart the course for the next two years. Feel free to call or email me any time; I value your input, and it’s an honor to serve you in St. Paul.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Schultz

State Representative