With my family after taking the oath of office on January 3rd.
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
The 2017 legislative session began on January 3rd, and I would first like to say that it is an honor and privilege to serve the people of Woodbury for a second term. We are set for a fast-paced, busy session where we will focus on a number of key priorities including fixing our broken health care system, providing meaningful tax relief to families and small businesses, and improving student learning.
Here is an update from the Capitol.
Tax Relief and Federal Conformity
On Thursday, the Minnesota House declared an urgency to pass $21.7 million in tax relief for Minnesotans by conforming our state tax code to the federal government.
The Department of Revenue said that in order to avoid tax filing complications, federal conformity needed to be signed into law by January 11th. That’s why I am pleased we were able to move quickly to pass this off the House Floor.
Included in the legislation are provisions for higher education, families, teachers and homeowners.
Talking with families, small business owners and Woodbury residents, I know that many would like to see additional tax relief passed this session with our state’s $1.4 billion surplus. I will be advocating for a larger tax relief bill this year in addition to federal conformity and will keep you updated on tax proposals moving through the House.
Health Care Relief and Reform
Also on Thursday, House Republicans moved to begin addressing our state’s health care cost crisis by introducing House File 1, legislation that includes premium relief and a number of key reforms.
First, the bill provides a one-time appropriation of $300 million that will go toward offsetting the cost of premiums for qualifying enrollees who purchased health insurance on the individual market. After prices increased by 50 percent or more again last year, this will provide premium assistance equaling 25 percent for January through March 2017, followed by additional relief based on income for the remainder of 2017. This plan makes sure that those who need assistance get it, as we work toward long-term fixes.
Additionally, a number of important reforms were placed in the legislation to improve access, increase competition and increase transparency in our health care market. Changes include ending surprise billing, enabling more small businesses to offer affordable health insurance to employees, allowing for-profit insurers to enter the market to increase competition, and expanding the continuity of care for 2017.
These are the first steps to offer immediate relief to Minnesotans struggling to afford out-of-control premiums, as we also begin to reform our health care system which has been negatively impacted by Obamacare and MNsure.
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As always, if you have ideas about what you would like to see happen this session or need assistance on a matter of state government, I welcome you to contact me. Please don’t hesitate to call (651-296-1147), email (rep.kelly.fenton@house.mn) or stop by my office.
Sincerely,
Kelly
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