With Speaker Daudt on the first day of session.
Dear Neighbors,
The 2017 legislative session began on Tuesday, and I am humbled to be serving the people of District 01A for another two years. It is an honor and privilege to work for you in Saint Paul, and I welcome your input, ideas and comments throughout the legislative session. I am here to serve you!
Here is an update from the Capitol.
Tax Conformity
House Republicans got right to work on Thursday, passing federal tax conformity to avoid complications for Minnesotans who file their taxes early. In all, the bill provides $21.7 million in immediate tax relief to hardworking Minnesotans and includes deductions for higher education expenses, teacher reimbursement expenses and the elimination of two depreciation schedules for work equipment purchases.
Providing significant tax relief to Minnesotans is one of my top legislative priorities this session, and I am glad we were able to get tax conformity passed quickly. I expect a larger tax relief package to pass off the House Floor later this session.
Health Care Relief and Reform
Talking with folks across Northwest Minnesota this summer and fall, one of their top legislative concerns for the upcoming session was fixing our state’s MNsure mess and lowering health care costs for Minnesotans. House Republicans took the first steps on Thursday, introducing legislation that provides immediate relief to Minnesotans struggling to afford out-of-control premiums, as well as implementing a number of key reforms to improve access and increase transparency.
Unfortunately the bill, which provides a one-time appropriation of $300 million to help offset the cost of premiums for qualifying enrollees who purchased coverage in the individual market, was blocked from being passed off the House Floor Thursday by House Democrats.
Republicans will work to pass this bill as soon as possible in the House because not only does it provide much needed premium relief, but it also has a number of key market reforms including allowing for-profit insurers into the market to increase competition, reducing stop-loss limits to make it easier for small businesses to offer health insurance to their employees, and ending surprise billing.
These reforms, along with financial relief to Minnesotans struggling with high premium costs, are important first steps to begin fixing our state’s health care crisis. I will keep you updated as more news on health care reform becomes available.
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My door is always open to the needs and priorities of our area. Please feel free to let me know if I can be of assistance to you and your family. I am here to serve you!
Dan
**Encourage your neighbors and friends to sign up for my email updates at www.house.mn/01A