Dear Neighbors,
This week, both chambers of the legislature debated and eventually passed the Health Insurance Exchange bill. The Health Insurance Exchange is designed to help consumers shop for insurance online the same way you can shop for other things like the websites where you can compare prices on airfare and hotels.
I have a number of concerns about the legislation in its current form. Most importantly, there is nothing in the bill that does anything to reign in the cost of healthcare. The House bill levies a 3.5% tax on all plans sold through the exchange, and I'm concerned that those price increases will be passed on to consumers who purchase non-exchange insurance plans.
Additionally, key questions remain about data privacy, and exactly what private medical information would be required for participants in the exchange, and what other state and federal agencies may have access to that information.
The bill now heads to conference committee, where members of the House and Senate must work out the differences and come up with a final version to be passed by both bodies.
I welcome your input on this important issue, and encourage you to contact my office at 651-296-4306 or by email at rep.anna.wills@house.mn with your concerns and opinions about the Health Exchange.
Bipartisan Gun Bill
On Wednesday I attended a press conference hosted by DFL Rep. Debra Hillstrom, GOP Rep. Tony Cornish, and a number of law enforcement leaders to announce the introduction of a common-sense, bipartisan gun bill. This bill is aimed at keeping guns out the hands of violent criminals and improving the way criminal data is shared between state and local agencies while also protecting the second amendment rights of law-abiding citizens.
This bill has broad bipartisan support, and a good example of positive steps forward that we can take on a very controversial issue when we find common ground and work together.
Legislative Survey
My 2013 Legislative Survey is now live on my website. If you do not receive a copy in the mail, and wish to participate, please click here. I welcome your feedback, and hope you will consider sharing your thoughts and opinions.
Town Hall Meeting
Coming up on Saturday, March 23rd, Senator Greg Clausen and I will be holding a Town Hall Meeting at the Robert Trail Library in the Meeting Room in Rosemount. The Town Hall is from 11AM-1PM and is free to attend.
DATE: Saturday, March 23rd
TIME: 11AM-1PM
LOCATION:
Robert Trail Library Meeting Room
14395 S Robert Trail
Rosemount, MN 55068
Around Town
Earlier this week, I spent some time helping to pack meals for people in the Dominican Republic at the OneRosemount Feeding Families event. They still need financial support to pay for the meals and ship them. If you can help, please visit: http://www.onerosemountfeedingfamilies.com/#!donate/c1ghi
I had a great time attending the Spring Festival of Music at Eastview High School earlier this week. The Festival had received a grant from the Legacy Amendment funding, and featured the Velvet Tones and students from Thomas Lake Elementary School. As a member of the Legacy Committee, I appreciated the invitation to experience first-hand how this funding is being used.
This weekend I will have the chance to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony for Cub Scout Troop #295 as they unveil their high-tech pinewood derby track at Shannon Park Elementary School. I'm looking forward to getting to spend time with students and their parents and see what great work they've done on the track.
Have a great weekend,
Anna Wills
State Representative, District 57B