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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Mary Kunesh-Podein (DFL)

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Legislative Update - March 21st, 2017

Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Dear neighbors,

 

Thank you to everyone who has taken my legislative survey so far. I will keep the survey open until March 24th. Once I have compiled the responses I will send out the results next week. You are still able to take the survey online by clicking here.

 

From Washington:

The House Republicans' bill to eliminate Obamacare would leave 14 million more people uninsured next year than under current law, the Congressional Budget Office estimated Monday. At the same time, the bill would cut the deficit by $337 billion over a decade. The legislation would lead to average premiums for individuals that are 15% to 20% higher than current law, the analysis also said. The White House has been downplaying the analysis in advance of its release, saying the nonpartisan agency's score is "meaningless."

 

At the same time, the Republican-controlled House of Representatives voted largely on party lines Monday to pass a "reinsurance" proposal, and a similar measure is moving forward in the Senate.

 

HF 5, the reinsurance bill, passed with a Republican majority, 78-53. The bill subsidizes the insurance companies with no guarantee that it would reduce premiums, increase health care access, or stabilize the individual market. The measure establishes an 11 member board – with a majority of board members representing insurance companies – to decide how to spend the funds and backfill the cost of large health care claims. Rep. Greg Davids (R-Preston), the author, admitted he was “flying blind” with his bill. The Senate passed their $600 million reinsurance bill Wednesday, and a conference committee is expected this week.

 

Teacher Layoff Bill

On Thursday, passed HF 1478, the teacher layoff bill, with a Republican majority vote: 71-59. This bill, Republicans’ first education priority this year, would require school boards to negotiate a plan for laying off teachers. About 40% of school districts have locally negotiated layoff plans. If there isn’t a negotiated plan, state law directs schools to layoff teachers according to their seniority, known as “last in, first out.” The bill would repeal the last in, first out language, taking away teacher protections. The bill has significant opposition from teachers such as myself, and is unlikely to help solve the current teacher shortage in Minnesota. Our first priority should instead be giving our schools the resources needed so they don’t need to layoff teachers in the first place.

 

Minnesota Family Investment Program Increase

Minnesota hasn’t increased cash assistance for families with children since 1986. On Thursday, the Health and Human Services Finance Committee heard HF 1603, a plea to increase cash assistance by $100 a month and tie future increases to inflation, with a maximum increase of 2.5% each year. In Committee, Republicans proposed an amendment to reduce the increase from $100 to $10. After pointed questions from DFLers, Rep. Dean, who is the chair of the Health and Human Services Finance Committee, moved to table the bill rather than vote on the amendment. The bill was tabled on a party line vote and then revisited when the committee reconvened after session. In the end, the DFLers on the committee were successful and the bill was laid over for possible inclusion in the omnibus bill without the amendment.

 

The Governor’s Supplemental Budget

Governor Dayton released his supplemental budget on Friday which leaves more money on the bottom line to prepare for federal uncertainty. His full proposal can be found by clicking here.

 

Reimagine the Jeffers Petroglyphs

The Minnesota Historical Society is seeking public feedback on the interpretation (as well as ideas for a new name) at this historic site, which has held special meaning to Indigenous peoples for over 7,000 years. Click the link above.

 

FREE Gathering:

 

Saturday, March 25th 1-4 p.m.

27160 County Rd 2

Comfrey, MN 56019


It’s officially Spring!

Each day we have a bit more daylight and it won’t be long before the ground greens up and we can enjoy the great parks, trails and lakes in our communities. I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for it!

 

Thank you to those that have either visited me at the Capitol, sent an email or left a phone message. I appreciate the communication and encourage you to contact me if you have questions or concerns on any issue.

 

Regards,

 

Mary