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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Glenn Gruenhagen (R)

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News from Representative Gruenhagen 12-17-2013

Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Dear Friends,
 
I hope your Christmas shopping is going well and you're enjoying the Holiday season.  Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and make up a significant number of jobs in our state and around the nation. As you're out shopping, please consider shopping local.
 
Small businesses were hit hard this past legislative session, and despite the good economic news of late, it seems Minnesota still lags behind other states in many important economic categories.
 
For instance, we learned last week that Minnesota received a 'dismal' score for entrepreneur-friendly policies. In fact, we're the sixth-worst state in the nation thanks to our high taxes and burdensome regulatory policies.
 
While Democrats pat themselves on the back for raising taxes, real Minnesotans are still struggling, and sending jobs and opportunities to other states. Thousands of Minnesotans dream of one day owning a business. It's a shame that Democrats are making it harder--not easier--to start a business and fulfill these lifelong dreams.
 
Every small business that closes, or every entrepreneur who decides against the uphill battle of making their small business dream a reality means fewer opportunities for other Minnesotans. Small businesses provide jobs, they pay property taxes, and they are integral parts of our community.
 
Republicans understand how important small businesses are. Governor Dayton and Democrats simply don't. We need to take steps to remove barriers and unnecessary regulations, and lower the tax burden on small businesses rather than increasing it.
 
MNsure debacle continues
As the December 23rd enrollment deadline approaches for customers to have health coverage starting January 1st, MNsure continues to stumble.
 
Insurance companies are receiving incorrect or missing applicant data from MNsure, and many users still struggle with a glitch-plagued website. In addition, serious security concerns remain, and as KSTP reported, MNsure is less secure than the federal ObamaCare exchange.
 
Too many Minnesota families are losing sleep wondering whether or not they will be covered on January 1st. MNsure continues to insist that anyone who has paid by December 23rd will be covered January 1st, but has yet to fix the problems that has prevented Minnesotans from receiving their insurance cards from insurance companies.
 
Despite the ongoing problems, MNsure's executive director felt it necessary to take a two week tropical vacation to Costa Rica. Minnesota taxpayers deserve better, and MNsure must fix these issues to prevent coverage lapses starting January 1st.
 
Stay warm and drive safely on the icy roads.
 
Glenn