Friends,
It is an honor to be at the Capitol to not only ensure the security of your data, but also to ensure the wise use of your tax dollars.
On Friday, the office of Management and Budget released the February budget surplus. Under their analysis, Minnesota is poised for a surplus of $1.869 billion. A large part of this surplus has to do with the low cost of gas over the past few months and the increased economic freedom it gives Minnesotans to participate in the economy. It is clear that increasing the gas tax would negatively impact family budgets and Minnesota’s economy just as we are starting to see some relief. My Republican colleagues and I would like to see this surplus used to repair, replace, and expand the critical transportation infrastructure that Minnesotans use every day to travel to and from work, school, and play – roads and bridges. Additionally, I am pleased that this surplus gives us the flexibility to begin discussing the ways in which we can give hard-earned tax dollars back to you, the taxpayer, in the form of tax relief for the upcoming biennium. I look forward to presenting our budget and discussing these issues with my colleagues in the coming weeks.
Last week, I authored HF1109, which contains provisions to prevent security breaches of data being transferred between the MNsure system and other entities, such as an insurance provider. With recent breaches in private health insurance data, it is important that we ensure that these crucial information systems are secure from leaks and hackers. My bill requires that all entities receiving your private medical or financial data have implemented proper control procedures to verify that all data is accurate, complete, and secure. My bill has bipartisan support because my colleagues and I understand how important it is for you to have one less thing to worry about when you purchase health insurance. I look forward to discussing this bill with my colleagues in the Civil Law and Data Practices committee.
As always, please stay in touch to share your thoughts on these or any other legislative issues that impact you and your family. You can schedule an appointment to meet with me in my office by calling my Legislative Assistant, Alex Pouliot, at (651) 296-5813, or by emailing me directly at rep.peggy.scott@house.mn.
I am so thankful for the opportunity to serve as your voice in the House!
Rep. Peggy Scott