Dear Neighbors,
Here is an update from the Capitol.
Lance Corporal Riley S. Kuznia
On Monday, January 14th, I had the honor of paying tribute to and thanking Marine Lance Corporal Riley S. Kuznia, of Karlstad, for his service to our country. This resolution was read on the Floor of the Minnesota House of Representatives. The funeral was held last Saturday; please continue to keep Riley’s family and friends in your prayers.
New Bills
I introduced two new bills this week.
The first bill, HF 35, would prevent frivolous lawsuits from being filed against property owners by trespassers who were injured on private property. The bill was drafted based on precedent set by previous court rulings; it’s time to update and clarify the law to reflect what is already being done in practice.
I also re-introduced HF 48, a bill that I introduced last year at the request of constituents. The bill would create a small pilot project to allow ATVs access to Hayes Lake State Park and Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park. If the program is implemented, ATVs would follow the same rules as all other vehicles currently allowed access to the parks, including remaining on existing public roadways and purchasing state park passes.
This bill has the support of Friends of Hayes Lake State Park and the Roseau County Commissioners. Our hope is that extending access to the people using the extensive network of ATV trails in the area will increase the number of people enjoying the parks.
MinnesotaCare Buy-In
The House Republicans held a press conference this week to ask Governor Walz and the DFL House Majority not to extend the Sick Tax, which adds millions of dollars to health care costs every year. However, an even greater threat to our health care in rural communities is the MinnesotaCare Buy-In proposal. This bill will lower reimbursement rates for our health care facilities, threatening the ability of small town hospitals, clinics, and pharmacists to continue operating.
The start-up costs alone for this program would cost the state $113 million, and there is no guarantee that premiums would cover ongoing costs. I will not be supporting any proposals that could raise health care costs or reduce health care access for our community.
Follow me on Facebook
To stay up-to-date on what’s happening at your State Capitol, feel free to “like” my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/RepDanFabian.
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My door is always open to the needs and priorities of our area. Please feel free to let me know if I can be of assistance to you and your family. I am here to serve you!
Dan