Greetings!
In this week’s newsletter, I will give you an update on Obamacare compliance in schools, Governor Dayton’s State of the State speech, online voter registration, women’s veteran license plates and the Joint Parental Custody Bill.
Obamacare Compliance in Minnesota Schools
The nonpartisan Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) recently surveyed school districts across the state and found that full compliance with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) could cost districts more than $200 million over the next three years. Taking this much money out of the classroom hurts teachers and students, threatening educational achievement in Minnesota.
MMB collected their data by sampling a cross-section of urban, metro and rural school districts across the state. School districts submitted their estimated costs of full ACA compliance based on several criteria.
Increased costs to school districts come from a number of factors including increased health care costs, penalties and covering additional staff. The effective date for ACA compliance is either 2015 or 2016 depending on the size of the school district.
While I fully support insuring more Minnesotans, I believe the unintended consequences of Obamacare continue to outweigh the positives.
State of the State
On Wednesday, Governor Dayton gave his State of the State address touting economic improvement and job growth. I believe some of the policies put in place by the governor and this legislature like last year’s three business-to-business taxes (which were later repealed) hamper economic growth.
Minnesota is doing better than before, and I am hopeful that our state will not pass more burdensome taxes and regulations so we can continue along the path of economic recovery.
Online Voter Registration
A Ramsey County Court ruled earlier this week that Secretary of State Mark Ritchie illegally set up online voter registration, saying it is the job of the legislature to make changes to our voting system. Many legislators on both sides of the aisle criticized Secretary Ritchie for overstepping his authority, and I am glad to see the court enforcing the system of checks and balance.
Understanding the need to modernize and update our voting system, both the Senate and House passed online voter registration this week. It passed out of the House on a 129-2 vote and out of the Senate on a 41-24 vote, and was signed into law by Governor Dayton.
Women’s Veteran License Plate
On Monday, the House unanimously voted to create a new license plate for women veterans. Veterans have been down at the Capitol advocating for a women veterans’ license plate for the past several years, and I am glad to see this bill has moved forward.
Women have honorably served our country, and I am pleased the state is offering them this recognition.
Other specialty license plates for veterans include Vietnam Veterans, Pearl Harbor Survivor and Combat Wounded Veteran plates.
Joint Parental Custody Bill
Also on Monday, the House unanimously passed a bill regarding joint parental custody. The bill is a compromise between several interested parties after Governor Dayton vetoed a similar bill in 2012.
Today, many courts favor awarding custody to the mother without considering a number of other factors. The bill clarifies that there is no presumption for or against joint physical custody, except when domestic abuse has occurred between the parents.
Children have a right both their mom and dad and this bill helps ensure those rights.
I believe this bill is a step in the right direction, ensuring that fit parents who want to be involved in their children’s’ lives have the right to do so.
Freedom Day
Thursday was Freedom Day, and members of the New Ulm Battery were at the State Capitol to celebrate. I was lucky enough to shoot off a cannon to recognize Freedom Day, and it was a lot of fun.
Thank you for letting me be your voice at the Capitol.
Sincerely,
Tim
Fun Factoid: According to the Tax Foundation, April 29th was Tax Freedom Day in Minnesota—when the average Minnesotan has worked enough to pay all their federal, state and local taxes. Minnesota has the fifth latest Tax Freedom Day in the country.