Dear neighbors,
Last week, legislation to extend marriage rights to same-sex couples passed out of the House Civil Law Committee, which I Chair. The bill passed on a party line vote of 10-7 and is expected to be heard on the House floor later in the session once budget bills have been passed. I am a co-author of this legislation to provide equal marriage rights to all Minnesotans.
Marriage equality legislation will allow civil same-sex marriages and ensures that no religious congregation or clergy will have to perform a marriage ceremony that they do not support. I believe that this is a fair trade which provides civil-rights and equal treatment by the state and allows religious freedoms to be upheld. It is time to replace antiquated and unjust marriage law with law to extend equal marriage rights, with all of their privileges and responsibilities, to all Minnesotans.
In addition, the House passed the Health Insurance Exchange bill Thursday. The exchange is a marketplace where Minnesotans can compare and purchase health insurance online.
Under the Federal Affordable Care Act, states were given an option between a one-size-fits-all Federal insurance exchange and creating and implementing our own exchanges. Minnesota chose to create our own exchange that will be tailored to the needs and expectations of our residents. This will be much more cost-effective and efficient than the Federal model.
Implementing our own health insurance exchange gives Minnesota an opportunity to lead the nation in healthcare. Middle-class families are projected to save over $1 billion through the exchange and an additional 300,000 uninsured Minnesotans are expected to gain health coverage by 2016. The goal of the exchange is to increase competition in the marketplace, expand health coverage and reduce coverage costs for middle-class Minnesotans.
Please contact me anytime with your questions, comments and concerns. You can reach me by phone at (651) 296-4224 or by email at rep.john.lesch@house.mn. You can also follow me on Twitter at @johnlesch. Thank you for the honor of representing you in state government.
Sincerely,
John Lesch
State Representative
District 66B