Dear Friends and Neighbors,
It's been another busy week at the Capitol. Here is an update from St. Paul.
REAL ID
On Tuesday, the House passed legislation that partially repeals the 2009 ban on REAL ID compliance, putting our state on the path to implement REAL ID. The bill allows the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to issue a report to the legislature detailing the steps needed to implement REAL ID, along with associated costs. DPS will give that report to the legislature later in mid-April, and the House and Senate will then act to implement REAL ID this year.
The ultimate goal is to begin issuing REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses on October 1st of this year, allowing Minnesotans to renew their license on a normal renewal cycle without any additional cost or hassle. Furthermore, to allow a current Minnesota-issued IDs to be valid at federal buildings and military bases, the bill passed on Tuesday directs the DPS Commissioner to seek an immediate waiver from the Department of Homeland Security.
Many folks in my district have shared concerns with me about REAL ID and what it means for people who want to use their Minnesota-issued driver's license to board an airplane. Please be at ease knowing that you will continue to be able to use your license as a valid form of identification to fly around the country.
Lowering Health Care Costs and Reining in MNsure
On Wednesday, the House Taxes Committee heard House File 2380, legislation to reduce the tax MNsure collects on health insurance policies sold through the exchange. Rising health care costs are a serious concern for Minnesotans and this bill could help families and small businesses across the state save at least $15 million on their insurance premiums over the next two years.
Currently, MNsure collects a 3.5 percent tax on insurance premiums, and this bill would cut that rate in half to 1.75 percent starting in 2017. It would also set a series of basic operating benchmarks that must be met by MNsure. Consequently, if MNsure does not meet those benchmarks, the tax they could collect would be reduced to 1.5 percent until those necessary standards are met.
MNsure is currently struggling in a number of areas including its latest problem with backlogged 1095-A tax forms having yet to be mailed out to thousands of Minnesotans. I think that any way we can rein in MNsure and save taxpayer dollars, it's a win for our state.
MNsure Complaint Page
On Thursday, House Republicans launched a website to gather comments and feedback from Minnesota families, taxpayers and small business owners affected by MNsure. Whether it's a late 1095-A tax form or long wait times to get through at a call center, MNsure is continuing to struggle to provide basic services to folks across the state.
If you have a personal story you'd like to share about your MNsure experience, you can visit the website here: http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/cmte/comment. Too often we don't hear about problems with MNsure until people share their stories, and this website will help bring these issues to light and hold that agency accountable.
Question of the Week
Question: Many constituents have contacted my office to share concerns related to our health care exchange, MNsure and the rising cost of health care. Please let me know if you have experienced any of the following:
- Difficulties navigating the MNsure website or their call center
- Significantly increased deductibles or premiums
- Deciding to forgo health insurance due to unaffordable premium increases
- Having yourself or a member of your family placed in a public health program by MNsure for which you do not qualify
- Not receiving your 1095-A tax form from MNsure in a timely manner
- Other
- None of the above apply to me
Please reply to this email to share your thoughts with me! Your opinion is valuable and helps guide me in supporting legislation that reflects the priorities of our community.
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If I can ever assist you or your family on a matter of state government, please don’t hesitate to contact my office. I am here to serve you!
Deb
**Encourage your neighbors and friends to sign up for my email updates at www.house.mn/01B