Dear Neighbors,
Here’s a quick update from this week at the Capitol:
Health Insurance Premium Relief
Last week, House Republicans tried to bring an emergency bill forward to provide $300 million in relief for those buying health insurance on the individual market. The bill, HF 1, also included needed reforms to increase healthcare access, competition, and transparency. Surprisingly, House Democrats rejected our call for urgency, and blocked debate of the bill.
The legislation is now going through the committee process, and I expect to hear the bill as early as next week. It’s our goal in the House to provide short-term relief and reforms as soon as possible, while keeping an eye on long-term solutions later in session. I’ll be sure to keep you updated when we hear the bill in the coming days.
Tax Relief
After passing our first tax relief bill last week, I’m working on ways to further ease the tax burden. I’m co-authoring a bill to phase out the tax on Social Security benefits. We’re one of a handful of states to tax Social Security, and it’s a disservice to our senior citizens. As a member of the Taxes Committee, we'll hear the legislation in committee next week. I’m anxious to continue to look for ways to provide tax relief for hardworking Minnesotans.
Please Contact Me
Please reach out if you have a comment, concern or suggestion on anything we’re discussing. You can reach me at (651) 296-6926 or Rep.Jon.Koznick@house.mn. Also, please forward this email to neighbors or friends that would be interested in keeping up with legislative business.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Jon Koznick
State Representative, Lakeville, 58A