Dear Friends and Neighbors,
It's been a busy and productive first couple weeks here at the Capitol. Committees have begun to meet, set the rules we will be governed under, and the first bills are making their way to committee. Below is a quick recap of the biggest issue of the week and a reminder about my listening sessions next Saturday. Have a great weekend!
Rep. Robbins speaking in a committee hearing
Republicans Fight to Lower Healthcare Costs: House Republicans held a press conference this week, urging the new DFL House Majority and Governor Walz not to raise health care costs on Minnesotans by renewing the 2 percent “provider tax,” which is set to expire at the end of year. Also known as the “sick tax.” this is 2 percent tax has been added on to the cost of almost all patient services in Minnesota since 1992, including things like baby deliveries, chemotherapy treatments, routine doctor and dentist appointments, emergency room visits, and more.
The tax, which was eliminated as part of bipartisan legislation passed by a Republican-controlled legislature and signed into law by Governor Dayton in 2011, is set to expire on January 1, 2020. If Governor Walz and the DFL Majority decide to renew the tax, rather than letting it expire, it would increase healthcare costs by more than $600 million for Minnesotans next year alone. Over the past week, Governor Walz called it a "nonstarter" to end the tax, and DFL House HHS Finance Chair Tina Liebling said it was "essential" to restore the tax or replace its revenue.
Last summer and fall I met hundreds of people who said lowering the cost of healthcare was one of their top priorities. DFL plans to renew the provider tax will raise the cost of healthcare and it is unnecessary at a time when we have a $1.5 billion surplus.
Government rarely gets rid of a tax, even when the law requires it to expire. We need to uphold our commitment to end this provider tax and let Minnesotans start saving 2% on every healthcare bill.
Town Hall Listening Sessions: Next Saturday, January 26th, I will be holding a series of town hall discussions across our district. Listening to you and your concerns is critical so I can represent you at the Capitol. The stops will be 9:00 am at the Dayton Senior Center; 18461 Dayton St, Dayton; 11:00 am at the Rogers Community Room; 21201 Memorial Dr, Rogers; and 1:00 pm at the Maple Grove Community Center; 12951 Weaver Lake Rd, Maple Grove. Hope to see you there!
Please Contact Me: Many of you have already been in touch to discuss your thoughts on the issues that matter most to you. Thank you for sharing your ideas! Please continue to contact me to discuss any legislation put before the House or any other matters to which I can be of assistance. You can set up a time to visit me at the Capitol by calling me at 651-296-7806 or by email at rep.kristin.robbins@house.mn. My office is located on the second floor of the State Office Building in room 225.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve! Have a great week!
Kristin