Greetings,
With committee deadlines just two weeks away, each committee in the House is working hard to hear as many bills as possible.
KEEPING HEALTH INSURANCE COSTS AFFORDABLE
In our commerce committee, we held a conversation with health insurance providers about ways to keep premium costs down, and how to make health insurance more affordable. UCare recently left the insurance market due to insolvency, leaving fewer companies available for consumers.
We know that any time the legislature adds mandates to health insurance companies, it only increases costs to the purchaser. When the insurance becomes too expensive, people drop their coverage. Keeping health insurance affordable is a top legislative priority, and that means limiting mandates at the state level.
PROMOTING AFFORDABILITY
Speaking of affordability, House Republicans held a press conference this week to highlight ways we are trying to make everyday life more affordable for Minnesotans. Including mandate restrictions in the health insurance arena, other highlights include legislation that lowers vehicle tab fees; removes taxes on tips and overtime; ends the tax on Social Security income; removes automatic gas tax increases; and allows school districts and local governments to opt out of certain unfunded mandates, which would help lower property taxes.
CONSUMER PROTECTIONS FOR CREDIT UNIONS
Our commerce committee also approved legislation this week on behalf of credit unions and their customers. Credit unions belong to the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) which guarantees deposits of up to $250,000 are fully insured. The state’s credit unions would like the option to purchase private insurance that would give their customers additional protections beyond a $250,000 deposit, which will better serve those members. Several other states have already passed laws to give credit unions this option.
CAPITOL VISITORS
Plenty of local residents and advocates traveled to St. Paul to visit with me this week. They included:
- Representatives from Niron Magnetics
- Advocates for the homeless and disabled
- Members of the American Heart Association
- Members of the Epilepsy Foundation
- Psychologists and physicians
KEEP IN TOUCH
As always, I'm continuing to support constituent needs. Feel free to contact me anytime at rep.tim.odriscoll@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-7808.
Have a good weekend,
Tim