Dear Neighbors, I hope you and your families are enjoying the holiday season and with it, warmer temperatures. At the House we are back from the legislative recess, passing legislation focused on building a strong foundation for our communities. Building on the successes of 2023, we remain committed to prioritizing quality education, accessible healthcare, and a secure job market. These investments will foster a thriving environment for families and grow the middle class.  Here is an update from the Capitol. Extending Consumer Protections for Elders and Vulnerable AdultsWhen I first took office in 2019, I supported the landmark Eldercare and Vulnerable Adult Protection Act. This legislation puts in place strong consumer protections regarding arbitrary discharges in assisted living facilities, creates an appeals process, and ensures a safe landing if someone had to move to a new facility, establishing a resident Bill of Rights. This week in the Commerce Committee, we approved a bill extending these consumer protections for elders and vulnerable adults, extending consumer protections to residents of low-income tax credit (LITC) facilities that apply to residents of licensed assisted living facilities. I’m proud we passed this important bill on a bipartisan vote. You can view the presentation here. Veterans Day at the CapitolVeterans and supporters are invited to participate in the annual Veterans Day on the Hill on Wednesday, April 17. Advocate for veterans’ issues, meet with legislators and attend the State Capitol rotunda rally. I hope to see you at the Capitol on April 17!  Protecting Reproductive FreedomIn Minnesota, we believe in reproductive freedom, affordable healthcare, and that people should be able to use the health insurance they are paying for. But today, health insurance companies can pick and choose whether or not to cover abortion care, or under what circumstances they do cover care--it’s wrong. That’s why I’ve written a bill requiring health insurance companies to include abortion coverage in their health plans. In 2021, over 25% of people who sought abortion care in Minnesota were forced to pay out of pocket because so few plans include abortion coverage, despite an uninsurance rate of less than 5%. Additionally, none of the insurance plans sold on MNSure cover abortion, outside of narrow instances of rape, incest, or immediate threat to the life of the pregnant person. This bill was heard in the Health Finance Committee this week, which you can view here. Sports Betting Legislation Heard in Commerce This week, the House Commerce Committee heard my bill to legalize sports betting in Minnesota. Minnesotans have been waiting a long time for the opportunity to engage in fair sports betting. For years now, House DFLers have listened to and consulted with our sovereign Tribal Nations and stakeholders to ensure the best outcome for Minnesotans. This bill authorizes a commercial sports betting market operated by Tribal nations for people 21 years or older, which would move sports wagering from the illicit market to a regulated market run by Tribal nations. With this regulatory structure, revenue is created and crimes related to sports wagering are established. We still have a lot of work to do to pass the sports betting bill, but this is a very important step in the right direction. You can view the presentation here. Keep in TouchPlease continue to reach out anytime if you need assistance or have questions at rep.zack.stephenson@house.mn.gov or 651-296-5513. It’s an honor to represent our Coon Rapids and Anoka families in St. Paul. Sincerely, Rep. Zack Stephenson Minnesota House of Representatives |