Rep. Jack Considine
Legislative Update
Dear Neighbors,
Premium relief
We’re coming to the end of January and we’ve finally gotten the needle to move on health insurance premium relief.
Getting relief to those struggling with these increases has been one of my highest priorities at the start of this session. As a result of a lot of hours being put in by a great number of people, I’m pleased to let you know that we sent a bill to Gov. Dayton’s desk on Thursday.
The bill will use Gov. Dayton’s original plan for insurance premium relief, meaning it won’t take until 2018 to make an impact as it would have under the Republicans’ original proposal. For the 125,000 Minnesotans who are struggling in the individual market, this makes all the difference in the world.
It’s not a perfect bill. There are some provisions in it where we had to compromise, like allowing for-profit insurers into the marketplace. However, we did get the amendment that would have threatened coverage for people with pre-existing conditions taken out of the final bill.
Passing premium relief for Minnesotans is so important and I’m pleased to have played my role in making it happen.
Guest Chaplain at the Capitol
I also had the privilege of inviting Father Tim Reker of St. Joseph the Worker/Holy Family Parish to St. Paul on Thursday to serve as Guest Chaplain.
Fr. Reker gave the opening invocation before the House of Representatives passed the premium relief bill and sent it to Gov. Dayton’s desk. It’s always a rewarding experience for legislators to have their district represented by a member of the clergy.
I’ll have more updates as we move deeper into session. You can also follow me on Twitter @jackconsidineMN.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Sincerely,
Jack Considine
State Representative