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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Jeff Backer (R)

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Update from St. Paul

Friday, February 3, 2017

Greetings from the Capitol,

Last Wednesday I visited with Kathy Draeger and David Fluegel, regarding the University of Minnesota Regional Sustainable Development Partnership.

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On Tuesday I met with Russell Garves and Dennis Larson of the Breckenridge Public Utilities. I also introduced HF657; this bill would provide funding for a new Breckenridge water plant.

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I also visited with Tom and Joyce Sedgeman, dairy farmers near Sauk Centre, prior to the Agriculture Policy Committee hearing regarding the dairy economic outlook.

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Lastly, Justin Cronen with Community Development Bank of Hancock visited with me to discuss issues related to agriculture.

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Health Insurance Update and Clarification:

Since the passage of Senate File 1 last week, there have been some developments worth sharing:

  • There is a one week enrollment extension from February 1st – February 8th
  • Medica, which is only available through MNsure, is below its enrollment cap and will accept new enrollees from January 31st -February 8th
  • If you qualify for the 25% premium reduction, no action is required on your end, you will receive it automatically. (In order to qualify, you must have bought the plan on the individual market and not received a federal health insurance tax credit).

Upcoming Town Halls:

Senator Westrom and I will be co-hosting a series of town hall listening sessions throughout House District 12A on Friday, February 17, 2017. I encourage anyone interested in discussing or hearing about any legislative issues to attend. I hope to see you there!

The schedule is as follows:

  • 9:30 – 10:15 – Elbow Lake - Elbow Lake Community Center, Swanson Community Room; 119 Central Ave. N. Elbow Lake
  • 11:15 – 12:00 – Breckenridge – Breckenridge City Hall; 420 Nebraska Ave. Breckenridge
  • 1:00 – 1:45 – Wheaton – Wheaton Community Library; 901 1st Ave. N. Wheaton
  • 3:00 – 3:45 – Morris - Morris Public Library 102 E 6th St, Morris
  • 4:30 – 5:15 – Starbuck - Starbuck Community Center, 307 East 5th Street Starbuck

Bill Introductions:

I authored a bill, House File 609, which would modify the county program aid formula, so rural counties would began to receive their fair share of financial aid.  

I also authored House File 683, which would delay the implementation of the new buffer law for two years.

Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board:

On Tuesday, I was reappointed as an ex-officio member to the Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board. I look forward to continuing my service on this board by providing insight from the perspective of an emergency medical technician.

GOP Rural Caucus:

I have been named co-chair of the GOP Rural Caucus. This group of legislators is made up of both Representatives and Senators; there is a co-chair from the House (me) and a co-chair from the Senate. I am humbled by this honor and I look forward to being a leading member for rural Republican legislators across the state of Minnesota.

Staying in Touch:

Please be sure to contact me if you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding any issue related to state government. I can be reached by phone at either 651-296-4929 or 701-361-1909, or via email at rep.jeff.backer@house.mn.

Have a great weekend,

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