Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Here is an update from the Capitol.
Premium Relief Passes House
On Thursday, the House passed Senate File 1 which will provide emergency premium assistance to thousands of Minnesotans, as well as begin to reform our failing individual health care market. Republicans in the House and Senate have been moving this measure through the legislative process as quickly as possible, and similar bills have now passed both bodies.
The next step for this legislation is to go to conference committee where members of the House and Senate will work out any differences in the legislation before sending it to Governor Dayton for signature.
Premium relief is essential for folks struggling with out-of-control health care costs that are significantly impacting family budgets. This legislation is also the first step to begin fixing our broken health care system that has been plagued with problems from MNsure and Obamacare, and I will keep you updated on its progress.
Subcommittee on Aging and Long-Term Care
This session, I have the honor of serving as the Chair of the Subcommittee on Aging and Long-Term Care. I am excited to get to work on important policies that meet the needs of aging adults over the next two years.
Building off of last biennium’s successes including meeting the long-term funding needs of rural nursing homes, this year we will look at ways to improve access to services, and craft legislation that give seniors and their families more option in their care choices.
This week, we held our first committee meeting, receiving presentations from the Department of Health and Department of Human Services.
I will keep you updated on important policies and bills moving through this and other committees this session.
AURI Board
I am honored to have been appointed to serve as the state representative for the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) Board this session. AURI is a wonderful organization that helps bring scientific advancements in ag to reality by partnering with businesses and entrepreneurs.
Agriculture is an essential part of our state economy, and I look forward to once again serving on their board.
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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