Friends,
Happy St. Patrick's Day! We are now more than halfway through the 2017 Legislative Session and we have made great progress delivering on the priorities of Minnesotans. See the highlights from the last week below and have a great weekend.
Crumb Rubber Bill Heard in Committee
My bill to ensure the safety of materials being used at playgrounds and athletic fields was heard in the Health and Human Services committee this week. The bill will create a moratorium for two years on the construction of these which contain crumb rubber and require a report from the Minnesota Department of Health on the public health effects of this product. The bill received coverage from MPR and Channel 12 CCX.
Bipartisan Health Insurance Reform Passes House
The Minnesota Premium Security Plan (HF5), which establishes a state-based reinsurance program, passed the House on a bipartisan vote of 78-53. This program is designed to stabilize and reduce premiums by mitigating the impact of high-risk individuals, or those who are the most sick, on the individual health insurance market. According to Minnesota Management and Budget, the proposal is estimated to reduce premiums by as much as 18 percent.
This will help to stabilize the health insurance market that was devastated by Obamacare and MNsure. Next we need to bring reforms that will put downward pressure on the actual costs of health care. Dealing with these costs will be the next step for health care reform and a focus for us in the legislature.
I appreciate hearing from so many of you about how this issue has impacted your families and businesses. Please continue to contact me on this important issue.
Rep. Smith meeting with a group of nurses in his office
Teacher Retention Reform
Schools should have the ability to keep the best teachers in the classroom and the current “Last In, First Out” (LIFO) system arbitrarily puts new teachers at the top of the list when lay-offs must occur, whether they are excelling in the classroom or not.
This week we passed legislation in the House that will allow school districts and local bargaining units to explore alternative options that may better serve teachers, students, and families. By removing the default LIFO policy in state statute, school districts and local bargaining units are free to explore alternative options in addition to seniority, helping keep the best teachers in the classroom.
Every child in Minnesota deserves a world-class education regardless of zip code. This bill will help to ensure districts are able to make decisions to retain the very best teachers.
REAL ID
While the House passed our REAL ID bill a few weeks ago, the Senate has restarted negotiations on their version of the bill. It's imperative that we pass REAL ID this session and I am glad to see the Senate continue to work toward passage.
For further explanation, you can watch a video we put together to explain what REAL ID is and what it does.
Capitol Essay Contest
Don't forget to encourage your school-aged children to enter the contest to win $1,000 towards college by winning the Capitol essay contest. Visit the website here for more information.
High School Sports
I wanted to once again congratulate the Crimson Boys Hockey team for a great season and making it to the State Tournament. Next week, the Maple Grove Boys Basketball is headed to the State Tournament and the Osseo Boys play Champlin Park tonight at 7:00 pm at the Rogers Center. Go Orioles & good luck!
Girl Scout Warm Winter Clothing Drive
Local Girl Scouts are collecting warm clothing for children to wear during skating lessons. They are collecting youth sized coats, gloves, mittens, winter hats, snow pants, helmets, sweaters, and jackets. The gear is being collected at the Maple Grove Community Center 12951 Weaver Lake Rd, Maple Grove. A donation box is outside the rink.
Rep. Scott (left) and Rep. Smith (right) with the Girl Scouts putting
on the Warm Winter Weather ClothingDrive
Please continue to share your thoughts with me about our state government; bill ideas and concerns are welcomed! I am honored to serve you at the Capitol. My email address is Rep.Dennis.Smith@house.mn, phone number 651-296-5502, and by mail: 375 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155.
Have a great weekend!
Dennis