Visiting with Bryan Grove and Tony McLean who came down for Independent Bankers Day at the Capitol, representing American State Bank in Grygla and Border State Bank in Greenbush.
Dear Neighbors,
It’s been another busy week in Saint Paul. Here is an update with the latest news from the Capitol.
Premium Relief Passes House
On Thursday, the House passed The 2017 Health Care Emergency Aid and Access bill on a bipartisan vote. This legislation will provide needed premium relief to thousands of Minnesotans, preserve access to care for patients receiving life-saving and end-of-life care, and provide new opportunities for more affordable coverage options in Minnesota.
Additionally, an amendment I authored was added into the bill that will create an appeal process for providers and enrollees who are blocked out of networks in their area. For folks in Northwest Minnesota, their hometown hospitals, clinics and pharmacies are too often out-of-network because of waivers granted by the Minnesota Department of Health to insurers in the individual market. This will give providers and patients an additional resource to fight for accessibility in our area, providing an appeal process for waivers for local systems like Roseau LifeCare and the Altru Health System.
The next step for this legislation is to go to conference committee where differences will be worked out by the House and Senate. From there, both legislative bodies will repass the bill and send it on to Governor Dayton for his signature.
We are working to get premium relief to folks as soon as possible, and I will keep you updated on the bill’s progress.
House File 6
This week, the Government Operations and Elections Committee heard and passed House File 6, legislation I am authoring that will reform the way members of the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) are appointed.
The change would require the governor to appoint eight members to the PUC Board from each congressional district plus one at-large member. This change to the PUC will bring greater regional representation and give a greater voice to rural Minnesota on important issues that pass through this commission.
Greater regional representation is important because the PUC has influence over a number of important parts of Minnesota’s economy, and I hope we can get this change signed into law this year.
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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
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