Taking the Oath of Office from Speaker Kurt Daudt
Dear Neighbors,
The 2017 legislative session began on Tuesday, and even though we are just getting back into session, it’s been a busy week. Please see below for some key highlights.
Tax Conformity
On Thursday, the House moved quickly to declare an urgency on House File 2, which conforms our state tax code to that of the federal government.
Tax conformity usually has broad strong bi-partisan support, and this year was no different. In essence, tax conformity helps alleviate potential headaches by bringing Minnesota's tax code into agreement with changes made in the federal tax code (so one does not need to make multiple changes on one's state vs. federal tax returns).
The Department of Revenue requested the bill be signed into law by January 11th to avoid complications and give them a chance to update filing programs like TurboTax. In all, the bill provides $21.7 million in immediate tax relief to hardworking taxpayers. Provisions include deductions for higher education expenses, teacher classroom expenses, homeowners and families saving for college.
I am glad we were able to move on HF 2 quickly so it can be signed into law by next week. I am also hopeful that this will be the first of additional tax relief legislation which should make its way through the legislative process later this session.
The 2017 Health Care Emergency Aid and Access Bill
In response to the thousands of Minnesotans facing staggering increases to their health insurance, on Thursday House Republicans introduced House File 1: The 2017 Health Care Emergency Aid and Access bill.
This would be a first step in providing premium relief to thousands of Minnesotans. It also would implement some meaningful reforms to address problems within our individual market.
First, HF 1 allocates a one-time $300 million payment from the budget reserves to help fund premium relief, as well as continuity of care for people with serious conditions who are losing access to their doctors. For Minnesotans who qualify, it would mean a 25 percent reduction in premiums from January-March 2017, followed by additional tiered relief based on income throughout the remainder of the year.
In addition to offering immediate financial relief, the bill also implements a number of key reforms to improve access to care and transparency within our health care market. Among the changes would be allowing for-profit HMOs to operate in Minnesota to increase competition, requiring rates to become public after 10 days to improve transparency, and prohibiting surprise billing to protect consumers.
House Republicans are currently working hard to move this bill through the legislative process, and Senators are doing the same. Once both sides have a bill that has been vetted through their committees, it will go to conference committee, where any differences will be hammered out before the bill makes its way to Governor Dayton’s desk for signature.
Fixing our state’s health care crisis and providing financial relief to Minnesotans struggling under the burden of unaffordable premiums remains a top priority, and I am committed to working with my colleagues to pass both short and long-term solutions to this serious problem.
Staying in Touch
Please know my office is available should you need assistance on a matter of state government. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-1729 or via email at rep.abigail.whelan@house.mn. I also welcome your input and ideas on legislation and matters moving through the Minnesota House. I am here to serve you!
Thank you for the honor and privilege of being your state representative.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Abigail