Hello Neighbors,
Here is a brief overview of the most notable happenings from this past week.
Passage of MNsure Relief by the House
This week we saw the passage of House File 1, our MNsure relief and reform bill. This bill would provide $300 million in premium relief for people around the state suffering under the weight of outrageous rate increases. It will also institute some preliminary reforms that will pave the way for a large-scale overhaul of the MNsure system, and reverse its negative impact on the individual market as well.
The Minnesota Senate has also passed their version of the MNsure reform bill, SF1. The House and Senate versions will now be debated in a conference committee comprised of members from both legislative bodies, and an agreement reached. I am hopeful that the conference committee version of the bill with be sent to the House and Senate for its final passage, and sent to Governor Dayton for his signature very shortly.
National School Choice Week Events and Rally
Minnesota parents and students are coming together at the State Capitol during National School Choice Week to help ensure that every student has access to a good education -- and you, your family and friends are cordially invited to attend!
Events will include a rally in the State Capitol Rotunda, lunch in the newly-renovated State Capitol vault (lunch will be provided for participants who register by 1:00 pm Friday) and a legislative hearing about important legislation called the Equity and Opportunity Scholarship Act which will provide parents with resources to select a school of choice in Minnesota.
Here's the schedule for the day:
TUESDAY, JANUARY 24
10:45 am -- Arrive at the Minnesota State Capitol
11:00 am-12:00 noon -- Rally in the State Capitol Rotunda with former Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Graham Keegan and entrepreneur Reynolds-Anthony Harris, a leader of the Minnesota Harvest Initiative
12:00-12:45 pm -- Lunch in the newly renovated State Capitol basement "vault"
1:00-2:15 pm -- Equity and Opportunity Scholarship Act hearing in the House Education Finance Committee, Room 5 in the State Office Building
I hope to see you there!
As always, please don't hesitate to contact my office with any questions or concerns you may have. I will also continue to keep you updated on the issues mentioned above, and others, as session progresses.
Sincerely,