Dear Neighbors,
Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you and your family! Here is an update with the latest news and notable events from Saint Paul.
House File 5
At the beginning of the week, the House passed bipartisan legislation to establish a state-based reinsurance program. It's similar to a program that Minnesota had prior to the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and is designed to stabilize and reduce premiums in our state by helping insurance companies cover the cost of individuals in the high-risk pool, or more plainly, those that cost a lot to insure.
Since the ACA's creation, our state’s individual insurance market is twice as sick and just a third the size. This is unsustainable, and this legislation mitigates the impact of those with the most medical needs in the individual market in the hopes of decreasing costs for all (Minnesota Management and Budget projected premium reductions of 17 percent or more).
This bill is about ensuring that the sickest Minnesotans continue to have access to needed coverage, as well as working to lower premiums. The Senate is also advancing similar legislation and I will keep you updated as the bill progresses.
Property Tax Reform Bill
This week I presented a bill to will establish a Legislative Property Tax Reform Study Group. This legislation calls for legislators to develop at least two proposals to reduce complexity in our property tax system (which is one of if not the most complex in the nation) in an effort to increase transparency.
The task force would be bipartisan and include four state representatives and four senators, two appointed by each the chairs and minority leads of their house’s tax committees. The bill is co-authored by the Chair of the Property Tax Committee. For more, see: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF2114&ssn=0&y=2017.
Empowering Local Schools and Educators
On Thursday, the House passed a bill that will give greater flexibility to our local schools and educators. House File 1478 repeals the last in, first out (LIFO) default in state law, which can leave many great teachers with less experience as the first let go if school districts have to make difficult retention decisions.
By repealing the LIFO default requirement, schools and educators will be able to negotiate mutually beneficial agreements that take into account a number of factors that will impact student learning and success. Seniority may still be a factor in the local plans.
Making Childcare More Accessible
This session there is a bill moving through the committee process that seeks to bring several needed reforms to help family childcare providers across the state, House File 1508 (authored by Rep. Eric Lucero). Childcare is an important issue for families and those who run these businesses in our community and across the state, and I am pleased we are examining ways to make improvements and reforms this session.
Anoka-Hennepin School District Meeting this Monday
The Anoka-Hennepin School District will be meeting this Monday, March 20th, at 6:30 PM at the Sandburg Education Center - 1902 2nd Avenue, Anoka.
Notably, the Trump Administration recently rescinded a "guidance" letter issued almost a year ago by the Obama Administration that directed schools to grant student access to changing rooms, showers, housing and restrooms based on gender preference rather than biological sex - or risk the loss of federal funding. Anoka-Hennepin's approach is to take each request by a student for access to a bathroom opposite their biological sex on a case-by-case basis and make accommodations accordingly.
I encourage you to attend and share your views.
Constituent Visits
Meeting with constituents with the MN School Bus Association. Thank you for stopping by to meet with me!
Staying in Touch
Please know my office is available should you need assistance on a matter of state government. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-1729 or via email at rep.abigail.whelan@house.mn. I also welcome your input and ideas on legislation and matters moving through the Minnesota House. I am here to serve you! Thank you for the honor and privilege of being your state representative.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Abigail