Dear Neighbors,
Our first committee deadline has passed and we are into another week as the second deadline draws near tomorrow.
Here is an update from the Capitol:
HF5 vs MinnesotaCare Buy-in
On Monday, the House passed a Republican reinsurance plan that will favor insurance companies over the health of Minnesotans. House File 5 creates a program to subsidize insurance companies. The measure establishes an 11 member board to administer the program – with a majority of board members representing insurance companies – to backfill the cost of large healthcare claims. The program would be funded by the Health Care Access Fund, which currently funds MinnesotaCare. The Republican author also said he doesn’t know the impact of their bill, meaning a nearly $400 million giveaway to insurance companies with no guarantee it will reduce premiums, stabilize the market, or increase access for Minnesotans.
House Democrats have a more affordable option to provide health care coverage to a greater number of Minnesotans by allowing the public to ‘buy-in’ to MinnesotaCare. MinnesotaCare is the successful plan that has existed in Minnesota for 25 years. The buy-in would provide more affordable choices for an additional 100,000 Minnesotans who are currently in the individual market. Participant’s premiums would cover the entire cost of their policies, meaning there would be no ongoing cost to taxpayers.
Those living outside the Twin Cities Metro would have access to a broad network of physicians and care providers available through MinnesotaCare. This would give families more choice in selecting their health care providers – instead of the narrow network currently available.
I am encouraging Republican leaders to give our bill a hearing in the House; it’s our job as legislators to provide Minnesotans choices and options to improve their health and I’m committed to doing so.
Committee Deadlines
This Friday at midnight marks the second of three legislative committee deadlines that House and Senate leaders establish annually to help narrow the number of bills receiving final action.
The second deadline is for committees to act favorably on bills, or companions of bills, that met the first deadline in the other house; meaning the bills that survived the first deadline in the House must be heard in the Senate and vice versa.
The third deadline is set for Friday, March 31 for committees to act favorably on major appropriation and finance bills.
Deadlines do not apply to the introduction of bills. Several finance bills are not subject to the committee deadline rule. Under some circumstances, committees in either house can hear a bill that didn’t meet the deadlines.
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:
Supplemental Budget and Targets
On February 28, the budget forecast was released showing a $1.65 billion surplus. Governor Dayton is putting the finishing touches on his supplemental budget with the details expected tomorrow.
Budget targets have yet to be announced by the House majority. Targets are the final piece of information committee chairs need to continue assembling their budgets.
March is National Problem Gambling Awareness Month
Nearly 6 percent of college students in the U.S. have a serious gambling problem. During March, Problem Gambling Awareness Month, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is highlighting its new Just Ask MN campaign to raise awareness among young people about the risks associated with gambling.
According to the DHS, Just Ask MN includes a website (justaskmn.org) and social media outreach that connects this younger, at-risk demographic to educational resources and information about gambling activities, the consequences associated with risky gambling behavior and how better to understand the signs of a problem in order to get help.
The DHS’ ongoing gambling campaign, “No Judgement,” also focuses on problem gambling education and intervention. The campaign website, getgamblinghelp.com/ , offers resources for all individuals and families affected by this issue.
Those who want to have the conversation can start by calling the statewide confidential helpline at 1-800-333-HOPE or texting HOPE to 61222.
Cloquet Area Chamber Visits the Capitol
On Wednesday, March 8, 2017 representatives of the Cloquet Area Chamber of Commerce were my guests at the Capitol in St. Paul to discuss local issues.
Stay in Touch
I always encourage you to contact me with questions or concerns on legislative issues at Rep.Mike.Sundin@house.mn or 651-296-4308 or toll free at 800-788-1329.
Sincerely,
Mike Sundin
State Representative – District 11A