Dear Friends and Neighbors,
The 2017 legislative session kicked off on Tuesday, and House Republicans wasted no time getting to work on priorities important to Minnesotans.
Here is an update from the Capitol.
Federal Tax Conformity
On Thursday, the House unanimously passed House File 2, a bill that provides $21.7 million in immediate tax relief to thousands of Minnesotans by conforming our state’s tax code to that of the federal government.
Legislators were under a tight deadline to get this bill passed. The Department of Revenue requested federal conformity be signed into law no later than January 11th to avoid complications for early tax filers, and so there would be sufficient time to update tax filing programs like TurboTax.
Included in the bill are deductions for higher education, homeowners, teachers, families saving for college, and more. I am pleased we were able to take action on this bill, and I expect it will land on the governor’s desk for signature soon.
The 2017 Health Care Emergency Aid and Access Bill
On Thursday, House File 1 was introduced, a bill that will provide premium relief, extend access to care for many with serious conditions who have lost access to their doctors, and begin reforming our failing individual health care market.
Having heard from many constituents in my district and across the state about the struggles they are facing due to out-of-control premium costs and MNsure, House Republicans attempted to take action immediately on this bill Thursday. Unfortunately, House Democrats, who had earlier in the week agreed to suspend the rules to pass this legislation, backtracked on that promise and blocked the measure on the House Floor.
While I am frustrated House File 1 was slowed up this week, this is a top priority for our caucus and Minnesota citizens. We will work to move this bill through the legislative process as quickly as possible.
I will keep you updated on House File 1, as well as additional legislation that will begin to unravel our state’s MNsure mess this session.
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As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if I can be of assistance to you or your family on a matter of state government. I am here to serve you!
Have a wonderful weekend.
Sincerely,
Brian