Hello neighbors!
The first month of session is coming to a close. Below are a few notes from the Capitol and news around the district.
Notables and quotables (What I am hearing?)
Last Thursday, we passed the health insurance/premium relief bill (S.F. 1), after a compromise was reached between the House and Senate. The DFL bill offered premium relief to the thousands of Minnesotans who buy their health insurance on the individual market and were facing premium increases of up to 60%. The GOP was offering major changes to our health care system. The final bill included the GOP changes and the DFL premium relief—and I voted for passage of the final bill. My biggest concern was a provision that allowed insurance companies to sell policies that wouldn’t cover maternity care, cancer treatment, emergency services, Lyme disease and nearly 100 other conditions or services. Thankfully, this provision was removed in conference committee.
I want to note that I am still concerned about a few provisions in the bill, most notably allowing for-profit health care in Minnesota. Up until now, Minnesotans could rest assured that their health care premiums went exclusively towards their health care costs. Now, I fear that for-profit health care providers will look out for their shareholders instead of Minnesotans. With that, I know that I was elected to find common ground across the aisle and I plan to continue to work with my colleagues to set parameters around for-profit providers to ensure for-profit health care providers do not put their profits over the needs of Minnesotans.
Capitol Conversations
The House of Representatives is considering legislation that would increase the penalty for protesters convicted under unlawful assembly or public nuisance laws. It is clear there are many problems with the legislation and it concerns me for two reasons. First, as a member of the legislature, I am sworn to uphold the Constitution. Though I may disagree with protest tactics, I will never support punitive measures levied against protesters and their constitutionally protected First Amendment rights. Second, the legislature’s job is to listen to the issues that compel Minnesotans to protest and, most importantly, to address them. I can't imagine a worse response than attempting to silence those who are bringing our attention to uncomfortable issues.
Dontcha know? (What am I learning?)
On Saturday, I was asked a few times about the daily happenings in my committees (which are: Education Policy, Jobs and Energy Affordability Policy and Finance, Veterans Affairs). It occurred to me that I can easily post each committees daily agenda for all to see. I will post a picture of my committee’s agenda on my Facebook page so you can see what’s happening. You can comment with questions, send them via email or bring them to the next Coffee and Conversations meeting!
Uffdah! (What worries me)
The House Education Innovation Policy Committee heard a bill that would create publicly subsidized "school choice scholarships" by providing tax credits to donors who contribute to foundations that provide scholarships for K-12 students to attend private schools. The bill allows donors to receive up to 70% of their donations to these foundations back as a tax credit from the state, and could cost Minnesota up to $35 million per year.
I voted against this bill because public dollars should not be used for private school tuition. Private schools are not required to abide by the Safe and Supportive Schools Act (anti-bullying law) or the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Private schools may discriminate and/or not accept LGBTQ students or students from LGBTQ families and they are not required to develop and use Individualized Education Programs (IEP's) for children who require special education or follow the Pupil Fair Dismissal Act. Further, there is no accountability mechanism to assess whether these vouchers are actually going to the students supposedly targeted in the bill. I believe this money can be better used to fully fund our public schools (and reduce local property taxes!), address the education disparities, and improve education for all Minnesota students.
Hotdish
This weekend I hosted my first Coffee and Conversation meeting—a listening session I’ll hold each week for constituents to come and discuss issues, bills and receive a weekly update from me. This week, we talked about bills I voted on, committee work, upcoming legislation and issues the attendees were concerned about. Next Coffee and Conversation is on Saturday, Feb. 4 from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. at 6859 152nd Street West in Apple Valley.
I’ve heard from many constituents who would like to learn how to become more involved in their government. To ensure everyone has access to their government (and feels comfortable accessing it) I am organizing a Civics 101 to be hosted in our community. I will invite civics educators to give us some civics basics and answer any questions you may have. Look for the time, date and location in the next few weeks!
Mid-Winter Fest in Apple Valley
This Saturday (February 4th) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Apple Valley will host its 39th Annual Apple Valley Mid-winter Fest. It is no secret that Minnesota has four distinct seasons. Right now you can either stay bundled up indoors or embrace Minnesota’s winter. Most of the events will be at the Apple Valley Community Center. You can find more details and a list of all of the activities by clicking here.
As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me with any issues or concern you may have.
Sincerely,
Erin Maye Quade
State Representative