Dear Neighbor,
Hello from the Capitol, where another week of the 2016 session is coming to a close.
A House hearing took place this week to address legislation I authored due to concern with the DNR's mismanagement of our lakes (with extended concerns of wildlife mismanagement). Specifically, my bill prohibits the DNR from stocking muskies in five Minnesota waterways, including the Gull chain. Residents have expressed opposition to stocking of muskies in these waters and my legislation supports them.
Rights to our lakes is not the issue. Yet, property owners should not have their opinions suppressed by other special interests.
The DNR's written policy is to listen to "local and social considerations" when proposing additional stocking. But, in proposing to stock the lakes they have identified, the DNR is ignoring these considerations, instead forcing their will regardless of outcome.
The folks on Gull are beyond suspicious of the DNR's lake management, especially on the heels of the Mille Lacs disaster and many other lakes.
Walleye is still our state fish, and even the guides can attest that it is getting harder to fish that species.
Therefore, if the DNR wants to stock muskies, they need to abide by their current policies and listen to all stakeholders. My bill (H.F. 3207) enforces that policy.
On another subject, more of MNsure's failings have been reported of late. First, there is a significant problem regarding liens placed on properties of those who sign up for Medicaid through MNsure. It is shameful this is happening and people are in shock when they learn it is because proper notification has not been provided. The Democrats who brought Obamacare to Minnesota ignored transparency measures offered by Republicans and now problems such as this continue to arise.
A second issue which recently surfaced is impacting taxpayers as they attempt to file their annual forms. Citizens were supposed to receive their 1095-A tax forms from the state by Feb. 1, but MNsure is behind schedule, leaving people in the lurch. A bill is proposed that would have MNsure compensate people $10 for each day the form was late after Feb. 1. That rate would increase to $50 per day if the tax deadline passes and they still haven't received their forms.
Or, we could just visit the bill I have authored to repeal MNsure from the books once and for all.
Have a blessed Easter, stay in touch and I will keep you posted as these and other issues unfold in St. Paul.
Sincerely,
Mark