It has been a busy week in the Minnesota House. Here are a few things I’m working on.
Gun Control Hearings
Many of you have contacted me about your thoughts on gun control legislation under consideration in St. Paul and I appreciate it. Unfortunately, I do not feel our state laws are in need of drastic change when it comes to firearm regulations. The bills we heard include legislation requiring background checks for gun shows and private sales; limiting gun permit access for some Minnesotans; and a ban on “assault weapons.” House Democrats need to explain why limiting our Second Amendment rights is a higher priority for them than enacting a state budget or expanding our economy. The fact is, bills sponsored by Democrats in Minnesota are even more restricting than what the President wants to pass. This would do nothing to keep certain firearms out of the hands of wrong-doers. Criminals are criminals. These new laws would disarm good, law-abiding citizens.
Dayton Delivers State of State
Dozens of business owners from throughout the state were special guests of House Republican members as Gov. Mark Dayton delivered his State of the Speech Address this week. The business owners participated in a very productive roundtable discussion with House members prior to Dayton's speech. They shared a wide variety of thoughts and concerns regarding Minnesota's business climate. I was proud to bring Brad Hanson of Pro Finishers in Prior Lake - an important job creator for our area.
The governor started his speech by highlighting many of the good things which have transpired over the last two years, but was light on new, innovative initiatives for the future. He first took credit for the improvements Republican-led policies brought to Minnesota the last two years. We have gained 72,000 jobs in that span, our state’s bottom line is in better shape and the 2011 K-12 shift is fully paid off. In the next breath, Dayton referred to our progress as “failed experiments” and the “old order.” You can’t have it both ways, governor. The numbers tell the truth: His plan calls for $16 in tax increases for every $1 in spending reductions.
I have been contacted my many of you, including several business owners, and understand your concerns with our current tax policies and proposed increases. One constituent contacted me who owns a business with over 100 employees and has given thought to moving that business out of state. The cost of doing business in Minnesota is just getting too high. I support policies that grow jobs and private business and welcome your comments as we debate the budget this session.
State Healthcare Exchange
The Health Insurance Exchange (HIX) bill received testimony in the Health and Human Services (HHS) Policy committee this week. Our main concern was to address the fact that nowhere in the bill does the HIX assure lower health care costs for individuals, lower costs throughout the health care system, an expansion of coverage for Minnesotans, or improved quality of health care—even though the HIX is costing our state hundreds of millions of dollars to build and operate. On party-line votes, the new Democrat majority defeated our amendments to require that the HIX be subject to oversight and accountability to taxpayers.
As always, please contact me with your thoughts and questions.
Sincerely,
Tony