Greeting from the Capitol,
The first two weeks of session were a whirlwind. Two time-sensitive issues – healthcare and
taxes - dominated the discussion and moved quickly. But the fast, early pace to session paid
off, and last week we passed bills addressing both of those priorities, with both Democrat
and Republican votes. I’m encouraged by these early session successes, and I hope it
indicates we are on the verge of a productive year.
Healthcare fix passes on bipartisan vote
One of my priorities for this session is helping Minnesotans who are being overwhelmed by
soaring health insurance premiums. That’s why Senate Republicans’ first bill of the session,
which passed last week with bipartisan support, was the Healthcare Emergency Aid and
Access Act. The bill authorizes immediate premium relief and initiates the conversation
about long-term reforms to the health care system.
I get dozens of constituent emails, phone calls, and visits each week, and this is the issue I
hear about most. Southeastern Minnesota has some of the highest health insurance
premiums in the state, and families are facing the impossible decision of paying their
mortgage or canceling their coverage. It’s our responsibility to offer them a helping hand,
but we also need short-term and long-term reforms so we aren’t in this same place again 12
months from now.
I have always had serious concerns about the Affordable Care Act, and I didn’t vote for
MNsure. But it doesn’t help to sit back and point fingers. I'm committed to working together
in a bipartisan manner to find solutions to fix the healthcare crisis our state and country are
currently facing. Last week’s healthcare bill was an important step forward.
Senate unanimously passes tax relief bill
Last week, the Senate also unanimously passed a $21 million tax relief bill. The bill had
already been passed by the House, so after passing the Senate, it was sent to Governor
Dayton's desk and he signed the bill into law on Friday, January 13. Known as “Federal Tax
Conformity,” the bill simplifies the filing process and saves taxpayers money by bringing our
tax laws up to date with federal code.
The bill includes an itemized tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums, a tax
deduction for teachers’ school supplies, relief for people who are struggling with a short sale
of their home, and an extension of the timeframe for some veterans to collect combat pay.
During the floor discussion about this tax relief bill there were indications that there could be
broad support for a more significant tax relief bill. Last year’s tax bill was popular, but I’m
optimistic that this year we’ll be able to pass an even stronger bill.
Local high school student visits for a job shadow
Recently a young man named Hayden Stensgard reached out to me about the possibility of
shadowing me for a day at the capitol. I believe these experiences are invaluable, so we
arranged for him to visit on January 11. Hayden is a senior at Rushford-Peterson High School,
and plans to major in economics when he attends college. In the past, he has participated in
Boy’s State, and recently he served as the Governor in Representative Gene Pelowski’s
multi-school Model Legislature, the same program I participated in while I was in high
school. Hayden is a bright, energetic young man, and I had a great time showing him the
behind-the-scenes workings of our government. Who knows, in a few years maybe we'll see
his name on a ballot!
My first hearing as a Committee Chairman
The Senate Jobs and Economic Growth Committee held its first hearing last week. The
agenda for the meeting was simple – we merely ran through member and staff
introductions, and received an overview from the Minnesota Department of Employment
and Economic Development (DEED). But the meeting was special to me because it was my
first as the chairman of a Senate Committee. The beautiful thing about our government is
that regular guys like me can be trusted with this important job. As I gaveled the meeting to
order, I was reminded once again of the incredible responsibility of the office, and of how
privileged I am to serve you.
Contact Me
As always, your feedback is extremely important in my decision making here at the Capitol.
My office is still available for you to call or write anytime with your questions, comments, or
ideas regarding issues facing the state. I can be reached via email at
[email protected] or by calling 651-296-5649. Please do not hesitate to call or
email should you need any assistance. It's an honor to serve as your State Senator.
Minnesota State Senate
3107 Minnesota Senate Building
95 University Avenue West
St. Paul, MN 55155
Phone: 651-296-5649
E-Mail: [email protected]