Greetings everyone!
I want to send you recap of the activities at the Capitol the past week.
Minnesota Health Care Exchange
This bill, HF5, is being pushed through the legislature at an amazing speed. The governor really wants this one. Simply put, it's dangerous. The MN Health Care Exchange has been promoted as an open market type of system that would allow individuals, couples, families or groups to purchase health insurance at a reduced cost. Much like the popular travel and hotel web sites that let you name your price or shop from hundreds of different providers, all competing to give you the most for your money.
Not true when it comes to the MN Health Care Exchange.
This bill would create the largest, most powerful, bureaucracy ever seen in the history of the state. Period.
Every provider, every clinic, every doctor, every nurse, every pill, every insurance plan, EVERYTHING would have to be approved and managed by the government BEFORE it could be sold to you, the consumer!
This bill would establish an "All Powerful" board to run the health care exchange.
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This board has seven members - all appointed by the governor or by the majority party.
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This board would have the power to charge a fee up to 3.5% on every medical transaction.
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This board has the power to purchase
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This board would not be subject to review
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This board would NEVER expire
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This board could collect and share personal data about you as it deems fit, with ANY agency federal or state - it deems fit.
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You, the consumer, would have no right to appeal the board, outside of federal court.
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The governor wants to have everything passed and ready to go by the third week of March!
Republicans are calling out this bill, in every committee, for what it truly is - Big Government.
Republicans are doing their best to change it, to make it less authoritarian.
Republicans have offered better solutions and are trying to reverse this situation.
You can follow HF5 and the MN Health Care Exchange bill on the MN House site.
Gun Control
There are several bills going through the MN House to enforce numerous forms of gun control. I have received thousands of emails in the past 4 days. The overwhelming majority of them are from folks all over the state asking us to protect their 2nd Amendment rights. As you know, I will do everything I can to support our Right to Keep and Bear Arms. Here are a few of the gun changes that are coming before our committee.
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Prevent anyone who has ever had any mental illness from ever owning a firearm. This could create a 2nd class-type of citizen. Up to 25% of all Americans experience some form of mental illness in their lives. Most recover and go on to lead normal lives. Yet, they would be stereotyped as "once mentally ill, always mentally ill. "This is not the right approach. Expert witnesses reported that roughly 4% of mentally ill patients have the propensity to become mass killers. I believe we need to help these people, and keep them away from all weapons. However, we should not lump the other 96% into this stereotype and deny them of their rights. More needs to be done here.
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Prevent the sale and manufacture of any firearm that has more than 6 rounds.
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Basically, any fire arm that is semi-automatic and carries more than 6 rounds could be classified as an "assault" weapon. Those weapons would become illegal. And, if you own one, or posses a magazine that holds more than 6 rounds, then you would be arrested and charged with a felony.
There is more. Please feel free to follow the Public Safety hearings on the MN House site or come to the hearings in person. The turnout has been great! The schedule is also posted on the internet. Please note, I will stand in defense of our Second Amendment rights. It is my privilege to do so.
I am a firearms owner, NRA member , NRA endorsed and I own firearms that would become illegal if this legislation is passed. I too have, "skin in this game".
The State of the State address
Last night I attended this event. I am very pleased that we live in a democracy where our government gathers to address the affairs of our state and nation. Governor Dayton outlined his budget plan for the next two years. I disagree with our governor's plan to tax and spend our way into prosperity. It's been tried before. It doesn't work. A few "highlights" from his plan include:
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Extending the sales tax to just about everything. This will place an enormous burden on EVERY family in Minnesota and will eliminate jobs.
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Making "the rich" pay more. Governor Dayton's plan would force the "rich" into a new tax bracket. This new bracket targets small to midsized business owners NOT huge corporations. It punishes them for their success and will drive more business, and jobs, out of Minnesota.
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Taxing business-to-business services, such as legal, advertising, and accounting. Raising taxes on these services cuts into the bottom line of companies big and small. Companies will be forced to pass those costs along to consumers, reduce staff, or relocate to a state with a friendlier business climate.
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A nearly $1.00 per pack tax increase on cigarettes.
I was joined for the State of the State by Chris Soderholm, President of Soderholm and Associates. Prior to the speech, House Republicans held a listening session with local job creators to hear their concerns and ideas about the Governor's proposed budget. We’ve heard from business owners across the state since the Governor released his proposal, and we heard again from job creators at the roundtable: the Governor’s proposal will put Minnesota at a competitive disadvantage and threaten thousands of good-paying jobs for working Minnesotans.
Thank you and God's peace,
Jim