Dear Neighbors,
Below are some updates from the past week. Please feel free to forward this email to a neighbor so they know what’s going on and sign up for future updates here.
Health Insurance Premium Relief
Last Thursday, I voted on a bill that will help alleviate the incredibly high premium increases imposed on families who buy their insurance on the individual market but don’t qualify for subsidies. I heard from many people in our community who were blindsided by these increases. Thankfully, a legitimate compromise was reached and we were able to pass relief for the affected families and small business owners.
While I’m thankful an agreement was reached, there were things in the bill I didn’t agree with, including a provision to allow for-profit insurance companies to enter Minnesota. There are still long term policy changes we must make to ensure people have access to affordable high-quality healthcare. I’m committed to working with my colleagues towards improvements and solutions.
How to Follow the Work of Committees
In a recent update, I went over how to follow bills. In this update, I want to share with you how to follow the work of committees. As an example, I sit on the House Committee on Public Safety and Security Policy and Finance. We have regularly scheduled meetings each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. At the committee home page, you can watch old meetings, subscribe to get updates on what the committee will be doing, see which Representatives serve on the committee, and see which bills have been sent to this committee.
There are 27 committees and divisions you can follow that oversee all areas of Minnesota state government, including transportation, healthcare, and the environment.
Bills Moving Through the Legislature
There are currently several high profile bills moving through the legislative process, including REAL ID, Sunday liquor sales, and HF 322 (which would allow for civil lawsuits against peaceful protesters). We could hear the REAL ID bill as early as this week, with likely disagreement regarding a provision that would make it harder for immigrants to get driver’s licenses. There appears to be bipartisan support for Sunday liquor sales, and we will likely hear HF 322 in the Public Safety Committee in the next few weeks. I oppose HF 322 because I believe it impinges on our First Amendment rights.
Politics in Minnesota Interview
Last week I sat down for an introductory interview with Politics in Minnesota. You can read the article here: “Breaking the Ice: Former legislative assistant settles into House.”
Meetings, Meetings, and More Meetings
I continue to meet with constituents and interest groups regarding many issues. The work of representing our community truly starts with meeting people and hearing their stories and concerns. I’ve also met with other officials such as Roseville Chief of Police Rick Mathwig and U.S. Congresswoman Betty McCollum.
Mark Your Calendar! Town Hall Meeting Feb. 11th
Finally, please join Senator Jason Isaacson and me for a Town Hall Meeting on Saturday, February 11th from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. at the Vadnais Heights City Hall (800 County Rd E East, Vadnais Heights).
Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any issues or concerns you have.
Sincerely,
Jamie