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

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Legislative Update - Deadline Extended

Thursday, February 2, 2017

Hello Northlanders,

 

Here are a few updates from St. Paul.

 

PREMIUM RELIEF

As a result of the premium relief bill signed into law last week, MNsure has announced a one week extension for a special enrollment period. The extra week will give Minnesotans more time to purchase health insurance during open enrollment. The premium relief legislation will provide a 25% instant rebate to those purchasing health insurance on the individual market who don’t already qualify for MNsure tax credits.

 

The new deadline is Wednesday, February 8th. It is open to all Minnesotans; however, they must purchase health insurance through MNsure or directly through Blue Plus or Health Partners. For more information, go to the MNsure web page.

 

ANTI PROTEST BILL

On Tuesday, the House Civil Law Committee passed a bill that would make the public responsible for any costs while participating in protests or rallies. The bill would allow units of government to recover public safety costs by suing protesters convicted under unlawful assembly or public nuisance laws. This legislation is the wrong direction and is a dangerous precedent for Minnesotans wishing to exercise their First Amendment rights. Our constitution is in place to protect our rights and allow people to express their opinions in a peaceful way.

 

The bill’s next stop is the House Public Safety and Security Policy and Finance Committee. There is no companion bill in the Senate.

 

Commission Appointments

Recently I received two important appointments from the Speaker of the House. I was appointed to serve on the Aggregate Resources Task Force which examines issues related to aggregate mining and its products. I was also selected to serve on the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). That commission recommends projects that maintain and enhance Minnesota’s outdoors and natural resources. These are two great appointments and I am excited to be serving on them.

 

Please let me know if you have any questions or think I could be of assistance.

 

Sincerely,

 

Rob Ecklund

State Representative