Dear Neighbors:
The 2017-2018 legislative session begin last week in our beautifully restored State Capitol in St. Paul. Now open to the public, I encourage you to come for a visit to take a tour of this beautiful building. Work is well underway, with the passage of a tax conformity bill, and renewed debate on how to help Minnesotans who are suffering from the financial impacts of skyrocketing health care premiums.
Town Hall Engagement
Responding to the concerns constituents have shared with us, Representative Jean Wagenius, Senator Patricia Torres Ray and I are inviting residents of Senate District 63 to attend a series of town hall meetings to address potential changes in areas of special concern to many of you.
With a new Presidential Administration and Republican Majorities in both chambers of the Minnesota Legislature, there may be significant changes on a number of topics and issues facing our community. Our legislative delegation and local experts will host panel conversations on the state and federal level changes and avenues for engagement. We will take questions from members of the community at these free and open events. You are welcome to come and go as you please.
First Meeting – Women’s Rights:
WHAT: Town hall meeting with Rep. Davnie, Rep. Wagenius, and Sen. Torres Ray. Joined by representatives from Planned Parenthood, NARAL and Gender Justice.
WHEN: 6:30-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 17, 2017
WHERE: Communications Workers of America Hall
3521 East Lake Street
Minneapolis, MN 55406
Second Meeting –Climate Change:
WHAT: Town hall meeting with Rep. Davnie, Rep. Wagenius, and Sen. Torres Ray. Joined by representatives from MN350, Fresh Energy and Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light.
WHEN: 6:30-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 7, 2017
WHERE: Mayflower Church
106 East Diamond Lake Road
Minneapolis, MN 55419
Third Meeting – Civil Rights:
WHAT: Town hall meeting with Rep. Davnie, Rep. Wagenius, and Sen. Torres Ray. Joined by representatives from ACLU-Minnesota, League of Women Voters-Minnesota and Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation.
WHEN: 6:30-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 21, 2017
WHERE: Communications Workers of America Hall
3521 East Lake Street
Minneapolis, MN 55406
Committee Appointments
In late December, the Speaker announced committee appointments for the 2017-2018 legislature. I have been appointed as the DFL lead of the House Education Finance committee, and will also serve on the Tax committee and the Job Growth and Energy Affordability Policy and Finance committee. The Jobs Growth and Energy Affordability committee is a new assignment for me but one that deals with a variety of issues important to constituents.
These committee assignments follow the recommendation of Minority Leader Melissa Hortman and the official appointment by House Speaker Kurt Daudt. The work conducted on these committees is instrumental to the effectiveness and efficiency of our state government, including setting our overall state budget for our E-12 schools and statewide tax policy.
Health Insurance Premiums
Steep increases in premiums for health insurance on the individual market have been a challenge for many families recently. In an effort to provide the fastest relief to the most Minnesotans, DFL legislators supported a plan last Thursday that had been agreed to by several legislative leaders and Governor Dayton for months and would have provided immediate premium relief to individuals on the private insurance market. There had been consensus before debate began that this crisis required immediate attention, even as we look to longer-term reform.
The Governor and DFL caucuses proposed a plan months ago for this immediate relief, in the form of a rebate that was agreed to by Minnesota health insurance plans. However, we have yet to pass any of these proposals because Republican legislators insist on incorporating untested reforms that haven’t been reviewed by legislators or health plans, and could serve to further destabilize the private market. We need premium reduction legislation passed as soon as possible because families with insurance on the individual market need this relief. I also believe that the public’s business should be done in public. I didn’t find the GOP’s insistence that we vote for the bill and then send it to a conference committee to better find out what was in the bill and its possible impact responsible.
Tax Conformity
To help Minnesotans beginning to prepare taxes, the House passed tax conformity on Thursday. The tax conformity bill always receives broad bipartisan support and is one of the first pieces of legislation passed each year. Tax conformity legislation is required to conform Minnesota tax law to the frequent changes made at the federal level, and makes it possible for Minnesota tax payers to receive all the benefits they are entitled to when filing their returns. The bill passed 130-0 and early passage allows the Department of Revenue to update tax filing procedures and ease complications for Minnesotans who file early.
Last week, Governor Dayton also released his broader proposal to cut taxes for 450,000 Minnesotans and close corporate tax loopholes.
Learning about the US Constitution
Finally, many folks are taking a greater interest in political affairs and civics since the November election. A loose-knit group of people, including me, have pulled together a series on better understanding the US Constitution. See more info via Facebook here.
Stay in Touch
You can always contact me if you have questions or concerns at 651-296-0173 or by email at rep.jim.davnie@house.mn .
Sincerely,
Jim Davnie
State Representative