Friends,
After the quick rush to pass a few key bills early this session, we are now deep into the committee process. Bills important to all of us are now being crafted, adjusted, and vetted by well over a dozen committees. This is moving along and I can assure you I am still hard at work to continue to fight for our shared priorities.
A few of the bills that are currently being worked on include: one that creates a new tax credit for donations to organizations that give students scholarships to K-12 non-public schools; a bill to limit severance for highly paid government employees; and a bill to allow dental students to practice dentistry. I am a co-author or chief author on all three of these bills.
Health Insurance Developments
Since the passage of SF1, the bipartisan premium relief bill, there has been a number of developments that you should know about.
- There will be a one week enrollment extension. The special enrollment period will take place from February 1-8.
- Medica will accept new enrollments. On Tuesday, it was announced that Medica ended up below their enrollment cap and will be able to accept new enrollees through February 8th. Medica policies are only available through MNsure this year.
- APTC vs. 25% Rebate: SF 1 excludes people who receive federal advanced premium tax credits (APTC) from also receiving the 25% state premium rebate. If a person receives no APTC, they will automatically receive the 25% state rebate.
Some people between 300-400% of Federal Poverty Guidelines qualify for an APTC, but either receive very little or nothing because of Obamacare's APTC calculation. This means an individual making $36,180-$48,240 may receive a substantially better benefit with the state rebate.
If you have already enrolled in a plan and receives an APTC that provides less benefit than what you would receive from the 25% rebate, you may cancel that policy and re-enroll without an APTC in order to benefit from the state rebate. This must be done by February 8.
Free Tax Preparation Sites now Open
The Minnesota Department of Revenue announced that more than 200 sites across the state are offering free tax assistance during tax season this year. There are two programs that are offering these services the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the AARP Tax-Aide program. Both programs have volunteers who are certified by the IRS to prepare basic tax returns in Minnesota.
The AARP Tax-Aide sites offer free tax preparation for all over the age of 50 without any income restrictions. The VITA program is available for those over the age of 60, for those with a disability, for those who speak limited or no English, or if your annual income is less than $54,000.
There are at least five sites within 10 miles of Shakopee. You can find the site nearest you here or call 651-297-3724. The list of items that you will need to bring when visiting a free tax prep site is available here.
Donate Old Prom Dresses and Accessories
Shakopee High School National Honor Society is collecting gently used prom dresses and accessories to make them available for those who could otherwise not afford to go to prom. Donations are being accepted Monday February 13 from 4:00 - 8:00 pm at the Shakopee High School Atrium. More information is available here. Or you can contact Allison at alliescheu99@gmail,com.
Please call me with any questions or concerns at (651) 296-8872. You can also reach me via email at rep.bob.loonan@house.mn.
Have a great day,
Bob Loonan