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Legislative News and Views - Rep. John Poston (R)

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Capitol Newsletter from Rep. John Poston

Friday, March 23, 2018

Dear Neighbors,

The first committee deadline was this week, meaning that legislation had to receive at least a hearing in at least one committee prior to Friday if it had any hopes of progressing this session. Given this, it was a busy week with committees hearing a number of bills in preparation for this deadline.

As for myself, I had two bills heard in committee this week. The first, SF 1703, was heard before the Veterans Affairs Committee and would designate July 16 as Atomic Veterans Day in honor of veterans who were exposed to radiation as a result of the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki as well as those that may have been exposed to radiation due to their close proximity to other weapons tests or those serving on nuclear powered submarines.

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The second bill hearing I had this week was in the Government Operations and Elections Policy Committee. HF 3001 allows service cooperatives for school districts to enter into joint powers agreements with other governmental units.

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In addition to this, last week, the House Commerce Committee passed legislation that reduces the tax on individual and small group health plans sold through MNsure. The tax will be cut from 3.5% to 2%. It is estimated that this will save Minnesotans around $30 million on their healthcare.

Finally, the House approved legislation this week that provides $10 million in emergency funding to the troubled MNLARS system. In addition to the emergency funding, the bill provides additional oversight and accountability to ensure that the funding is being used to fix the system.

Minnesotans deserve a DMV system that works efficiently and effectively and I am happy that this important legislation was approved.

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Central Lakes College President, Hara Charlier, visited me this week.

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Thank you to Lou Owens and Amanda Mithun who took time to visit me to talk about Alzheimer’s awareness.

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If you ever have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding any issue related to state government, please feel free to contact me at either 651-296-4293, or rep.john.poston@house.mn.

Sincerely,

John