Hello from the Capitol!
More good news to share after another busy week in St. Paul.
Passage of House File 1:
On Thursday, the House passed House File 1: the 2017 Health Care Emergency Aid and Access bill on a bipartisan vote of 73-54. We are now one step closer to getting people the premium relief they need. I look forward to this bill going to conference committee with the Senate next week and I am hopeful for the Governor’s signature.
To review, some highlights of this bill include:
- 25% premium reduction for those Minnesotans who earn between $35,640 & $95,040 and families of four who earn between $72,900 & $194,400
- Allows for patients with serious illnesses or those receiving end-of-life care to continue seeing their doctor
- Increases affordable options through timely reforms that stand independent of impending federal action
Sunday Sales:
House File 30, a bill permitting Sunday liquor sales, passed the Commerce and Regulatory Reform Committee on a vote of 15-4 on Tuesday. It is now headed to the House floor for a vote of the entire body. The bill allows for liquor stores to be open Sundays from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. However, the bill does not mandate that liquors stores be open on Sundays; they can remain closed if they decide to do so. I am optimistic that the bill will pass and I look forward to supporting it!
Social Security Tax:
I co-authored a bill that would begin to phase-out the tax on social security benefits, House File 213. Minnesota is 1 of only 6 states that fully taxes social security. I think this is wrong; we, as a state, want to encourage our seniors to stay in Minnesota and continue to be active in the community and the local economy. This bill was heard in Taxes Committee this week and seemed to garner a lot of support. I will continue to be an advocate for not only this bill, but our seniors in general.
Civil Air Patrol:
This week, I met with Captain Jim Jagow, Chief of Staff of the Civil Air Patrol Minnesota Wing and a constituent of 56B.
I encourage you to learn more about the mission of the Civil Air Patrol here and here
If you ever have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding any issue related to state government, please feel free to contact me at either 651-296-5387 or rep.roz.peterson@house.mn.
Sincerely,
