Greetings,
Committee work was humming this week as lawmakers attempted to have their bills heard before the first legislative deadline. This means in order for any bill to move forward during the rest of session, it had to have been heard in a legislative committee by Friday.
COMMERCE BILLS MOVING FORWARD
As many of you know, I am the ranking Republican member on the House Commerce Committee. Over the past few days, we have been quite busy reviewing proposals and readying others for a full House debate.
One of them, the omnibus liquor bill, is ready to move forward. There’s some good news to report with that comprehensive package as it does include two provisions I’m chief-authoring. The first would allow 17-year-old waiters and waitresses to serve alcohol at restaurants, and the second would allow the City of Sauk Rapids to sell strong beer at its sports facilities in the same way that occurs in neighboring communities.
There’s also another proposal that would clean up some statewide appraisal language. This includes slight changes to the continuing education process for appraisers.
REINSURANCE REAUTHORIZED?
The House majority is attempting to take a proven Republican reform that has reduced health care costs on Minnesota’s individual market and send it backwards.
Reinsurance mitigates increases in health insurance premiums by limiting the exposure of health insurance companies to certain claims, typically high-cost claims. Reinsurance is currently approved to operate through the end of this year. On Thursday, House Democrats approved a bill that reauthorizes reinsurance, but also contains several unpopular insurance mandates that are completely unrelated to the topic. This includes providing funds for the planning of a public health care option, otherwise known as a government-controlled health care system.
The good news is the Senate has approved a bill that focuses solely on our effective reinsurance program. The bad news is the House and Senate are going to need to find common ground on this topic fast. In order for the needed federal waiver application to be completed allowing reinsurance to continue in Minnesota and approved in time for insurance filings, the Department of Commerce says compromise legislation must pass by April 1.
SUPPORTING ENERGY INDEPENDENCE
If you drive a vehicle, there’s little doubt you’ve noticed gasoline prices have risen to troubling highs. Due to these skyrocketing costs and the lack of effort to increase American energy independence, I have co-authored a House Resolution urging President Biden to take measures that would “ensure America’s long-term energy affordability, security, leadership and progress.” This includes a request for the construction of more pipelines and ending the restrictions on America’s onshore and offshore oil and natural gas resources.
Minnesotans are struggling financially, and our country has the resources to end our dependence on foreign oil. Common sense says we should do all we can to be energy independent.
ALS FUNDING AUTHORIZED
Like me, you likely know families who have been impacted by ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. ALS is also hitting close to the Minnesota Legislature, as Senator David Tomassoni is currently in the advanced stages of the disease.
Yesterday, the Minnesota House approved legislation that would dedicate $25 million for ALS caregiver support programs and grants for ALS research. Progress needs to be made towards finding a cure for this disease, and hopefully this legislation will help.
KEEP IN TOUCH
As always, I'm continuing to support constituent needs. Feel free to contact me anytime at rep.tim.odriscoll@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-7808.
Be well,
Tim