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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Josh Heintzeman (R)

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Legislative Update from Rep. Josh Heintzeman

Thursday, July 19, 2018

Dear Neighbors,

It has been a busy summer so far and it’s hard to believe that we are already halfway to Labor Day. It has been great to see so many of you out and around town and I look forward to seeing more of you as we enjoy the final months of summer.

Yesterday was a big day in Saint Paul as the Legislative Citizens Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) approved the work plan for the first project funded through my bill. We heard from Minnesota Management and Budget assistant commissioner Jennifer Hassemer and a number of others who helped the commission better understand the subtle differences between appropriation bonds and general obligation bonds as well as the constitutionality of my bill that passed just this last session.

Thanks to this legislation, waste water will be cleaner and some difficult issues relative to a number of landfills are being fixed. Considering that part of the mission statement of the LCCMR is to "Preserve and Protect Minnesota's Environment and Water" it seems very appropriate that after thirty years this work is finally being done.

Last month, the Minnesota Department of Commerce released preliminary rates for the 2019 individual insurance market, revealing that for the second consecutive year, Republican-led reforms have helped reduce or hold flat individual market health insurance rates after years of double-digit increases following the implementation of Obamacare in Minnesota.

Put simply, this news is proof-positive that the reforms championed by House Republicans are delivering results for Minnesota families. We are delivering on our promise to reform the state’s health care system and I could not be more encouraged by the results we are seeing. Anyone concerned with rising health care costs should be celebrating this news that shows our individual marketplace is on the right track.

Finally, because of rules from the state’s Campaign Finance Board, this week’s email update will be my last until November. Despite this, I still encourage you to reach out to me if you have any questions related to state government. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-4333 or via email at rep.josh.heintzeman@house.mn.

Thanks and have a great weekend,
Josh