This article was originally posted on
03-17-2017
17 March 2017 Legislative Update Our second committee deadline is Friday at midnight and we're hearing numerous bills in each committee to meet it. Hopefully it will help us avoid any end-of-session chaos.
HF5 v MinnesotaCare Option
On Monday, the House passed a Republican reinsurance plan that will subsidize insurance companies. It also establishes an 11-member board to administer the program - a majority of board members will be representing those insurance companies.
The Republican author said numerous times in committee and on the floor that he doesn't know the impact of the legislation, which means $400 million in taxpayer money is being given to insurance companies with no guarantee of it reducing premiums, stabilizing the market, or increasing access. For those reasons, I voted no.
Democrats provided a more affordable option by allowing the public to 'buy-in' to MinnesotaCare, a successful plan that has worked well in Minnesota for 25 years. Participant premiums would cover the entire cost of their policies, meaning there would be no ongoing cost to taxpayers.
Outside of the metro area, Minnesotans will have access to a broad network of physicians and care providers, delivering more choice to families selecting health care providers.
Supplemental Budget and Targets
On February 28, the budget forecast was released. Gov. Dayton is finishing his supplemental budget and we should get the details shortly.
The Republican House majority have yet to announce their budget targets, which are the final pieces of information committee chairs need to assemble their committee's budgets.
Town Hall Reminder
I'll be hosting a town hall meeting with Sen. Jim Carlson on Saturday, April 1 at Metcalf Middle School in Burnsville. We’ll be joined by Sen. John Marty and others to speak about health care issues.
Legislative Town Hall
Metcalf Middle School Cafeteria
Sat. April 1, 2017
10:00am - 12:00 noon
2250 Diffley Road, Burnsville, MN, 55337
Town halls are always valuable for us to communicate with the people we represent. All constituents are invited and I hope to see you there!
Capitol Visitors
I had the pleasure of meeting with people participating in Homeless Day on the Hill as well as speaking with a group of Burnsville High School students. It's always great to meet Minnesotans of all ages and talk about issues that matter to them.
Rep. Masin with Homeless Day on the Hill participants
Rep. Masin talks with Burnsville High School students
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at the Capitol.
Sincerely,
Sandra Masin
State Representative