ST. PAUL – The 2014 Legislative Session convened today, and state Representative Tom Huntley (DFL-Duluth) said one of his top priorities will be to continue the progress made last year with the creation of the Minnesota Health Insurance Exchange – MNsure.
“MNsure has gotten criticism, but lost in the bad news is the great news,” said Rep. Huntley. “The Kaiser Health News Service did a study and found five of the top 10 least expensive health insurance markets in America are in Minnesota. That’s because of the ground work we did in creating MNsure – such as requiring annual insurance rates go through state review and allowing for robust competition between hospitals and doctors, allowing insurers to wangle lower rates. Minnesota families will save more than $1 billion, thanks to MNsure.”
Last session began with the legislature facing a $600 million deficit and $800 million in debt to Minnesota schools. The legislature passed a balanced budget last year and now all of the money borrowed from schools has been paid back and the state is anticipating a $850 million budget surplus. Additionally, more than 50,000 jobs were created in 2013 and all the jobs lost during the Great Recession have been regained.
“In addition to creating MNsure, our expansion of Medicaid gave an additional 35,000 previously uninsured Minnesotans health care coverage while saving the state billions of dollars. We also passed all-day K, college tuition freeze, job creation measures, and direct property tax relief among them — and we’re ready to build on that work this year,” said Rep. Huntley. “We have more work to do for Minnesota’s middle-class.”
Action began quickly on the first day of session. The House Taxes Committee was meeting to discuss middle-class tax relief through federal tax conformity and the repeal of business-to-business taxes, including the warehouse tax, farm equipment repair tax, and the telecommunications equipment tax.
“Middle-class tax relief and repealing some business-to-business taxes has broad bipartisan support,” said Rep. Huntley.
Legislators will also be working to pass a statewide bonding bill. Because bonding bills require a three-fifths majority, the bill will need bipartisan support.
“There are several projects that legislators will consider that will benefit our community,” said Rep. Huntley. “I’ll be advocating for a new Chemical Sciences and Advanced Materials Building on the campus of the University of Minnesota-Duluth and money to refurbish the NorShor Theater and Wade Ballpark, as well as funds for projects at Lake Superior College and Spirit Mountain. Bonding builds and improves the long-term infrastructure our communities and businesses need to be successful.”
Huntley is also advocating for funding to the St. Peter Regional Treatment Center, including $56.3 million to design, construct, furnish and equip new residential, program and activity facilities at the Minnesota Security Hospital in St. Peter. “I’ve talked to people who work there,” said Rep. Huntley. “They put themselves at risk just by showing up for work. This is an unacceptable situation, and it needs to be addressed.”
Another focal point will be an increase in the state’s minimum wage. Minnesota’s current minimum wage is $6.15, while the federal minimum wage is $7.25. Only two states — Georgia and Wyoming — have a lower minimum wage than Minnesota.
“The last time we raised the minimum wage was in 2005,” said Rep. Huntley. “Only four states have a lower minimum wage than Minnesota. We need to address this issue this session.”
Finally, Governor Dayton has deemed the 2014 Session as the “Unsession,” a chance to make state government more efficient and better serve taxpayers.
“Getting rid of outdated and necessary laws and regulations will help our state and businesses operate more efficiently,” said Rep. Huntley.
Rep. Huntley encourages constituents to contact him with questions, comments, or concerns. He can be reached by phone at 651-296-2228 or by email at rep.thomas.huntley@house.mn.