Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Here is an update from the Capitol.
In this Issue:
- Premium Relief Passes House
- HF 166
- Looking for a Dinner Idea Tonight?
- Listening Session Tomorrow!
- Peppin’s MinnTriv
Premium Relief Passes House
On Thursday, the House passed The 2017 Health Care Emergency Aid and Access bill which will provide premium relief and needed reforms to begin addressing our state’s health care crisis caused by unsustainable changes due to the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) and MNsure.
The next step in the process will be to form a conference committee between members of the House and Senate to work out any differences and send the bill to Governor Dayton for his signature.
House File 1 is an important first step that provides immediate assistance to thousands of Minnesotans struggling under the burden of skyrocketing health insurance costs, and I am hopeful that we can get it signed into law soon.
HF 166
Testifying with Rogers City Administrator Steve Stahmer on House File 166 before the Property Tax Committee
This week, the Property Tax Committee heard House File 166 which will help ease the unfair tax burden paid to the metro-wide fiscal disparities pool by cities like Rogers. Under the fiscal disparities program, a portion of property taxes paid in so-called property tax-rich “contributor” cities are added to a pool which is then shared with so-called “property tax-poor” cities. As the program was created over 40 years ago, and much has changed in metropolitan growth and development, both the intent and results of this program need to be carefully analyzed and reformed.
City officials from Rogers came down to Saint Paul to testify in favor of HF 166, and I am pleased they were able to share their voice. This bill will provide fairness to Rogers of as much as $1 million. In the event this policy reform becomes law, I will work to see that the savings to Rogers are passed on to Rogers taxpayers in the form of reduced property tax rates. I will continue to advocate for this important change in state law.
Looking for a Dinner Idea Tonight?
The Osseo-Maple Grove American Legion Auxiliary is hosting a steak, fish, shrimp or combo dinner tonight (Friday, January 20) from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Legion located at 260 Fourth Ave. S.E. in Osseo. The steak, fish or shrimp dinner is $10, with the “surf and turf” option just $12. Dinner also includes baked potato, coleslaw and Texas toast. Proceeds benefit organizations serving veterans in our community. This is a great way to help, and you won’t go away hungry!
Listening Sessions Scheduled
The 2017 legislative session is already off to a fast start, with health care relief and reform, federal tax conformity, Real ID, and other bills moving through the legislative process. Your ideas and feedback are invaluable as we work to craft policies that work for our community, our citizens and our state.
That’s why I would like to invite you to three upcoming Listening Sessions scheduled for later this month in Maple Grove, Rogers and Dayton. This is a great way to share your input about what you would like to see happen this year.
Here are the details:
What: Maple Grove Listening Session w/ Rep. Dennis Smith
When: Saturday, January 21, 2017
Time: 9:00 am to 10:00 am
Where: Maple Grove Community Center, Room 129
12951 Weaver Lake Road
Maple Grove, MN 55369
What: Rogers Listening Session w/ Sen. Warren Limmer
When: Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Time: 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Where: Rogers Community Room
21201 Memorial Drive
Rogers, MN 55374
What: Dayton Listening Session
When: Tuesday, February 7, 2017
Time: 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Where: Dayton Activity Center
18461 Dayton Street
Dayton, MN 55327
I hope to see you there!
Peppin’s MinnTriv
Thank you to everyone who participated in last week’s MinnTriv Question. The question was: What is the Minnesota record for most snowfall in 24 hours and where was it? The answer was 36 inches near Finland, MN.
Congratulations to Todd Leyse from Maple Grove who had the first correct response!
Here is this week’s question.
Question: What Minnesota politician famously stole legislation that would have designated Saint Peter our capital and hid out for the remainder of the session in an attempt to prevent the bill from becoming law?
Respond to this email with your answer, and you could be featured in next week’s email update!
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In order to best represent our communities, I need to hear from you, so please don’t hesitate to contact my office at any time. My direct line is 651-296-7806. My email address is rep.joyce.peppin@house.mn and my mailing address is Room 459 State Office Building, 100 Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard, St. Paul, MN 55155.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Sincerely,
Joyce
**Encourage your neighbors and friends to sign up for my email updates at www.house.mn/34A