Dear Neighbors,
Hello again from St. Paul! We’re back for the 2017 session, and I’m excited to get back to work for you. I’m honored to continue to represent 27A, and look forward to tackling important issues with you this session.
Swearing-In
On Tuesday, I was sworn-in for my second term in the Minnesota House of Representatives. We held this ceremony in the newly renovated Capitol, and it’s really a sight to behold. Everything looks brand new, yet somehow still very classic. I hope you’ll visit me some time this session.
I was fortunate to have a great guest to the first day. My former first grade student, Nicholas Belshan (son of Amy and Andy Belshan of Albert Lea), joined me for the ceremony. He loved being on the House floor and watching all the action. Nicholas is an amazing young man and serves as a perfect reminder of why I am here as a legislator - not only for the current generation, but also for Nicholas' generation and the generations to come.
Legislative Action
We couldn’t hear bills on Tuesday or Wednesday, but yesterday’s floor session started with a flourish of activity. The House quickly took up a bill to conform our state’s tax laws with the federal government. I’m happy to say that we were able to pass a bill that will provide immediate tax relief to 220,000 hardworking Minnesotans. It will bring some tax relief to students, teachers, homeowners, and more. With a budget surplus, providing tax relief is a top priority of mine this session, and we’ll continue to look for ways to ease this burden on middle class Minnesotans.
It wasn’t all good news, though. We tried to pass a bill to provide short-term health insurance premium relief for those Minnesotans who have been hardest hit by extreme premium hikes, and institute common-sense fixes to this broken system. The effort was blocked on a party-line vote, which is disappointing to say the least. We need to get that passed immediately; it’s tough times for people right now who are experiencing high premiums. I look forward to working on that bill, as well as on longer-term healthcare solutions this session.
Please Contact
We’re back in session, and I’d love to hear your thoughts on anything we’re discussing or any topic important to you. You can call, email or visit; I always enjoy listening to your ideas.
Have a great weekend, and stay warm out there!
Peggy