Dear Neighbors,
The legislative session is now more than half over. The first committee deadline passed last Friday and we’ll be busy in committee as the final two deadlines approach the next two Fridays. Then we’ll shift to longer floor sessions to pass our two year state budget.
Community Happenings:
Eagan Advisory Commission Appointments
Do you want to help shape the City of Eagan, its government and provide input on City decisions? Then you should consider applying to serve on one of Eagan's four Advisory Commissions. Applications are being accepted through March 24th. Find our more here.
Personally, I had the great pleasure of serving as a volunteer on the Eagan Advisory Parks and Recreation commission for 8 years. Advisory commissions are a great way to serve your community, be a voice for your neighbors and help build on the great legacy of Eagan.
At the Capitol:
Committee Deadlines
Last week we wrapped up the first committee deadline, and we’re already into our second deadline week. Deadlines are very important to the legislative process, but deadline weeks can look like a crazy flurry of activity to those outside the Capitol. To help folks better understand the process, our great nonpartisan House Public Information department put together a video explaining the process. You can watch here:
Reinsurance
Earlier this year, I worked to help pass a proposal to provide premium relief in the form a 25% premium reduction for Minnesotans who purchase insurance in the individual market but who don’t qualify for federal tax subsidies. That proposal was put in place to offer a quick response to rising insurance costs.
I am also working to put in place a long-term solution to stabilize the premiums that working families pay in the individual market. My proposal, HF 1401, was heard this week in the Commerce Committee. HF 1401 seeks to support individuals in the market who are high utilizers of health care due to specific chronic or acute conditions, and sets up important care coordination supports for people whom the state reinsures. My goal in offering reinsurance is the drive down premiums in the individual market by stabilizing the market and improving care coordination for patients. The Minnesota House voted for another reinsurance model on the House floor this Monday, which I supported. Our work on reinsurance continues, as the Senate and the House versions of the bill are quite different, therefore we will be heading to conference committee. I look forward to working in a bipartisan manner to find a solutions that bring the health back into health care for Minnesotans.
International Women’s Day
Thousands of people showed up at the Capitol dressed in red in celebration of International Women's Day. I talked to many visitors from Eagan who were here to advocate for equal pay, reproductive rights and paid family leave policies.
(Photo: House Members celebrate International Women’s Day)
Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Laurie Halverson
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