Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Here is an update from the Capitol.
House File 5
Bipartisan legislation that is projected to reduce premiums by 17 percent or more passed the House on Monday. House File 5 will set up a state-based reinsurance program that will help address our failing individual healthcare market that is now a third the size and twice as sick as it was before Obamacare.
A key component of House File 5 helps mitigate the impact of high-risk individuals, including those who are most sick, on the individual market. It will be administered by the Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association (MCHA) which helped manage our state’s high risk pool for over forty years. It will be funded using existing revenue sources.
Folks in Northwest Minnesota know all too well the impact Obamacare has had with skyrocketing premiums and fewer choices on the individual market. This bill is a critical next step that will help ensure the sickest Minnesotans continue to have access to needed coverage while also addressing affordability, accessibility and competition.
The Senate is also moving similar legislation forward, and I will keep you updated.
Empowering Local Schools and Educators
Also this week, the House passed House File 1478 which empowers local school districts and educators, giving them additional flexibility in negotiations.
The bill repeals the default in state statute which requires that when difficult staff retention decisions have to be made, the newest teachers hired are the first ones let go. Instead, schools and teachers will be able to explore alternative options that can include more than seniority like performance evaluations or teacher effectiveness.
Teacher effectiveness is a critical component to student learning and success, and this legislation is about keeping our best educators in the classroom.
Constituent Visits
Superintendents were in Saint Paul this week. Pictured with Lon Jorgenson, Chris Bates and Bruce Jenson.
Thank you to the Wheat Growers and Farm Bureau folks from Northwest Minnesota who came to Saint Paul to talk about agriculture concerns this week. Also thank you to Leah Kent from the Crookston School District for coming down to talk about school counseling. Your input is invaluable!
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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