Dear Friends and Neighbors,
The 2017 legislative session began on Tuesday, January 3rd, and House Republicans started out the week delivering on a number of priorities important to Minnesotans. Here is an update from Saint Paul.
In this Issue:
- Tax Conformity
- Health Care Relief and Reform
- Community Events
- Peppin’s MinnTriv
Tax Conformity
On Thursday, the House passed $21.7 million in immediate tax relief for Minnesotans by conforming state tax rates to that of the federal government. Tax conformity is an ongoing and frequent occurrence necessitated by changes at the federal level that require state action to become effective for Minnesota taxpayers.
With quick approval of a tax conformity bill, the Department of Revenue can avoid tax filing complications for Minnesotans who file early.
Deductions in the bill include higher education expenses, teacher reimbursement expenses and eliminating the need for two depreciation schedules for those purchasing large pieces of work equipment.
This was an important bill that saves Minnesotans money and makes it easier to file their taxes. Expect House Republicans to advocate for additional tax relief this session that will lower the overall tax burden on families and small business owners.
Health Care Relief and Reform
In addition to immediately acting on tax conformity this session, House Republicans also kept their promise to begin addressing our MNsure mess and lowering health care costs for Minnesotans. House File 1, introduced Thursday, provides premium relief to Minnesotans who purchase health insurance on the individual market and also implements a number of needed health care reforms. Unfortunately, House Democrats blocked the measure after having agreed to suspend the rules and expedite premium relief just days earlier. Their apparent reason was disagreement with some of the insurance reforms outlined below.
In spite of not getting a state of urgency declared on the House Floor Thursday, House Republicans will move as quickly as possible to get the bill through the legislative process because it does a number of important things.
First, the bill provides a one-time appropriation of $300 million to provide premium assistance to eligible Minnesotans. For the first three months of January, people would receive a 25 percent rebate, followed by an additional reduction based on income. Too many Minnesotans are drowning from overwhelming health insurance costs and if signed into law, this will help bring immediate financial relief.
Additionally, our legislation implements a number of much needed reforms including requiring the Department of Commerce to post initial health plan rates within 10 days of receipt to allow state leaders time to take action sooner if rates go up; enabling more small businesses to offer health insurance to employees; and allowing for-profit insurers (such as Minnesota-based United Healthcare) to enter the market and to expand options on the individual market.
What’s more, this bill ends surprise billing so in-network hospitals or surgical centers cannot use out-of-network providers without prior notice to patients, as well as preserves care for patients with serious conditions who are losing their doctors under new plans.
By offering immediate financial relief to Minnesotans struggling under the burden of high costs, as well as advancing reforms to increase access, competition and transparency in the health insurance market, we are taking the important first steps needed to address our state’s health care crisis.
Community Events
Get out from the cold and enjoy a hearty “Lumberjack Breakfast” this Sunday at Mary Queen of Peace Church in Rogers! Located at 21304 Church Avenue, the breakfast will be served from 8:30 to noon and includes pancakes, french toast, sausage and eggs, applesauce, orange juice, milk and coffee. A free will offering will be taken.
The Rogers seniors will be hosting community bingo on Monday, January 9, from 1-3 p.m. at the Rogers Senior Center located at 12913 Main Street in Rogers. Many different games are played, and cash prizes are awarded. Bring your friends, meet new neighbors and enjoy this fun-filled event.
Peppin’s MinnTriv
Now that we are back in the 2017 session, I wanted to restart our weekly trivia question. If you are the first to reply with your name, hometown and the correct answer, you will be featured in next week’s e-mail update!
With the Minnesota Capitol reopening after lengthy renovations, this week’s question is about the Capitol Building.
Question: What famous Minnesotan and first territorial governor, laid the cornerstone of the Capitol building during a ceremony on July 27, 1898?
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In order to best represent our communities, I need to hear from you, so please don’t hesitate to contact my office at any time. My direct line is 651-296-7806. My email address is rep.joyce.peppin@house.mn and my mailing address is Room 459 State Office Building, 100 Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard, St. Paul, MN 55155.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Sincerely,
Joyce
**Encourage your neighbors and friends to sign up for my email updates at www.house.mn/34A