Dear Friends,
We are already starting to see the impact from some of the harmful policies the Democrats pushed through during special session. Keep reading to find how these changes may affect you.
Higher Premiums on the Way
Republicans fought to keep health care costs low for thousands of Minnesotans during special session. The DFL, however, failed to fully extend reinsurance which supports families who purchase their health insurance on the individual market. Now the Star Tribune is reporting that premiums will start to increase as much as 13%.
Minnesotans cannot afford to pay more for their health care. We must fully extend reinsurance next session so we can stabilize the individual market, and everyone can have access to quality and affordable health care.
Draft #2 of Social Studies Standards Released
The second draft of the new social studies standards was released this week. The Holocaust was finally added to discussions that surround human rights abuses (a major topic that was left out of the first draft), however, the panel has now added Ethnic Studies. This content was rejected by the legislature during both the regular and special sessions. It is also not included in the social studies statute (120B.)
You can review the latest draft of the social studies standards and submit public comment here. I strongly encourage everyone to let their voice be heard. MDE will be accepting public comments from now until August 16.
Reforms That Unite: Liquor Issues
One issue that unites Minnesotans is reforming our liquor laws. The passage of Sunday sales a few years ago was a big step forward, but there are still more laws that need to be reformed to make it easier for Minnesotans to buy and sell alcohol products in our state. One benefit from COVID-19 was that some restrictions on alcohol sales were loosened. For example, restaurants were able to include bottles of wine or beer on their takeout menu.
The Chair of the Commerce Committee, Rep. Stephenson, is planning to host an informational hearing on liquor issues this fall. I look forward to hearing about ways we can reform Minnesota’s liquor laws and what lessons we can learn about alcohol sales from the pandemic.
Since When Does the CDC Have Control of Housing Issues?
This week, Biden’s CDC enacted new eviction moratorium guidelines. This is a gross overreach of executive power. Any extension of the federal eviction moratorium should have been passed by Congress. It is expected to be challenged in court and the rules on evictions could become rather convoluted over that 60-day period. I would strongly encourage housing providers to check with their legal representation prior to filing an eviction and also encourage them to work with tenants to continue applying through RentHelpMN.org to secure rental assistance.