Tag: House District 49B

Dear Neighbors,

Happy first day of summer! I hope you’ve been able to enjoy our sunny days.

Although session concluded last month, I’ve been compiling your ideas and input to start my legislative projects for the interim. Since the session ended, I’ve been working with colleagues in both the legislature and state agencies to research and develop future reform legislation on topics such as data privacy, the use of electronic medical records, information technology management and the “Fiscal Note” process used to estimate the cost of proposed legislation. Continue reading “Rep. Steve Elkins (HD49B) Update: June 21, 2019”

Dear Neighbors,

I hope finds you well and enjoying the beautiful weather.

The Legislature adjourned on May 25^th with a budget compromise to protect health care for 1.2 million Minnesotans, many of whom are the most vulnerable in our state, deliver targeted tax cuts to families and businesses, and makes historic investments in our state’s students.
As one of the only divided legislatures in the country, Minnesota proved the art of compromise is not lost. Here’s an overview of our key accomplishments from the 2019 session and goals for 2020:

Taxes

We cut taxes for middle class families, which is the first income tax cut in almost 2 decades. Federal conformity was achieved and as a result, we doubled the standard deduction. Over 90% of Minnesotans will not have to itemize on their returns. We’re also easing the financial hardship on seniors by cutting taxes on Social Security. Continue reading “Rep. Steve Elkins (HD49B) Update: June 6, 2019”

 

Dear Neighbors,

Last week, amid preliminary budget negotiations with the Senate, the House took bold action to reduce soaring prescription drug costs. The legislation would regulate Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), who act as “middle men” between drug manufacturers and pharmacies.

Working on behalf of health insurance plans, PBMs negotiate discounts and rebates on prescription drug purchases with drug manufacturers, keeping a share of the savings for themselves. In exchange for the discounts and rebates, PBMs use the “formularies” (lists of covered drugs) that they create for the health plan to steer the health plan’s members into using the drugs offering the biggest rebates. The greater the volume that the PBM steers towards a manufacturer, the bigger the rebate. However, for many patients, the drug with the biggest rebate may not be the most effective drug. If the PBM negotiates a bigger rebate with a different manufacturer, then a drug that’s been working for you might be dropped from the formulary, midyear. Continue reading “Rep. Steve Elkins (HD49B) Update: May 16, 2019”

 

Dear Neighbors,

The House passed its final budget bills 24 hours ahead of our deadline and before the Senate took up most of its major bills. I’m proud we’ve advanced a balanced budget with no increase on individual tax income rates and have delivered several forms of local government aid to bring down property taxes.

Here’s an update on a few key highlights from our budget:

Taxes

The House Taxes plan was also approved last week. Half of the revenue raised in the bill comes from bringing back to Minnesota multinational corporations’ sheltered tax haven dollars from places like the Cayman Islands. Our seniors and small businesses shouldn’t have to pay more to make up for the lost dollars that belong in Minnesota. Tax filing is also simplified for families through tax conformity and by raising the standard deduction. Over half of social security filers won’t pay anything on their benefits. 96% of the bill framework originated from House Republicans’ tax plan last year, so I’m pleased with the fair balance struck that puts families, seniors, and small businesses first. You can learn more here. Continue reading “Rep. Steve Elkins (HD49B) Update: May 1, 2019”

Dear Neighbors,

Committees are wrapping up their work on final budget bills and our focus will soon shift toward longer floor sessions.

Here’s an update from the Capitol:

‘Hands Free’ Device Legislation Update

With my support, the Minnesota House passed the final, compromise ‘hands free’ bill on Tuesday after differences were reconciled with the Minnesota Senate. The Governor is expected to sign the bill this week, making Minnesota the 17^th state, including the District of Columbia, to require hands-free devices while driving. I’m glad we could pass this long overdue bill in a bipartisan fashion to help make our roadways safer for everyone. Minnesota Public Radio covered the vote here. Continue reading “Rep. Steve Elkins (HD49B) Update: April 11, 2019”

My friend and constituent, Patsy Murphy, an advocate with the Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance, was able to ride with me yesterday in a prototype autonomous vehicle provided by VSI Labs, a Minnesota company which is researching this technology. The advent of self-driving cars is going to be liberating for people like Patsy, who are unable to drive themselves. You can see a video of our ride here. I’m sponsoring a bill that provides a safe testing framework for these vehicles so that they can receive the appropriate testing in our winter climate.

Here’s an update from the Capitol: Continue reading “Rep. Steve Elkins (HD49B) Update: April 4, 2019”

Dear Neighbors,

Spring is finally here! I hope you’ve been able to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air.

Here’s an update from St. Paul:

‘Hands-Free’ Approved in House

Minnesotans deserve to be safe on our roads, crosswalks, bike paths and sidewalks, and we want our friends, neighbors, and loved ones to be safe, too. That’s why the Minnesota House on Monday, March 18 approved the hands-free cell phone bill with my support as a co-sponsor by an overwhelming margin of 106-21. The Minnesota Senate passed their version of the bill this week with broad bipartisan support of 56-10. Both chambers now meet in a conference committee to reconcile differences to approve one final bill for the Governor’s signature. Continue reading “Rep. Steve Elkins (HD49B) Update: March 27, 2019”

Dear Neighbors,

I hope this finds you well. Committees met their first deadline for all policy related bills on Friday. This will help us narrow our focus and stay on track for a timely adjournment on May 20.

A big thank you to all who attended the Senate District 49 Town Hall meeting in Edina last Thursday. Due to my committee obligation that evening, I was unable to leave the Capitol. Please feel free to reach out to share any concerns or questions you have that may not have been addressed.

Here’s an update from the Capitol: Continue reading “Rep. Steve Elkins (HD49B) Update: March 18, 2019”

Dear Neighbors,

We’re in our ninth week of the legislative session. Read below for an update from St. Paul.

State Budget Forecast

The February Budget Forecast was released last week, showing Minnesota has a balance of $1.052 billion, $492 million less than what was projected in November. While our economy is still doing relatively well, we need to exercise caution, especially with federal uncertainty. Our budget ought to be focused on helping Minnesotans address our economic challenges: out of control health care costs, high tuition, insecure retirements, child care expenses, and more. I’ll be keeping these in mind as we work to craft our budget in the House. Please feel free to share your priorities and ideas with me to help shape this process.

Gun Violence Prevention Legislation

The House Public Safety and Criminal Justice Finance and Policy Division approved legislation to take on the epidemic of senseless gun violence during a public hearing Wednesday night and Tuesday afternoon. Continue reading “Rep. Steve Elkins (HD49B) Update: March 4, 2019”

Dear Neighbors,

I hope this finds you well. Governor Walz shared his state budget recommendations today. Read about them, and more items of interest below.

Governor’s Budget Recommendations

The Governor’s budget broadly focuses on driving down high health care costs, improving education overall, and ensuring community prosperity.

Health Care

Too many Minnesotans are struggling with unaffordable health care. I’ve heard from several neighbors in our community about the challenges around being on the individual market, in particular. Governor Walz’s budget includes a temporary funding extension to ensure low-cost coverage to those effected. The Governor is also working on a long-term solution that would deliver an additional, affordable and sustainable public health care option.

Education

The Governor’s three-pronged approach includes investing in our students; on the early childhood, K-12 and higher education levels. All Minnesota students deserve the opportunity to receive a world-class education so they can be successful outside of the classroom and can compete in and contribute to a growing economy.

Community Prosperity

Communities thrive when they have a reliable transportation system to connect them to family and opportunity. A recent independent report found that there are over one thousand Minnesota bridges and hundreds of miles of roads that are in poor condition. This costs the average Minnesotan over $1,000 a year in gas, lost time, and car repairs. And unless we get serious about how to make these investments, it will only get worse. Governor Walz has proposed a modest gasoline tax as one source of a dedicated, common-sense investment to keep Minnesotans safe on the road, and ensure that nothing like the I-35W bridge collapse ever happens again.

Another key component within this piece of Governor Walz’s budget is lowering childcare costs for Minnesota families. Too many can’t find affordable daycare, or are having to make difficult financial choices to make ends meet. All Minnesota families deserve a safe, affordable option for their children while they’re at work. This is a long overdue need that impacts communities across the state.

You can read more about the Governor’s budget proposal here.

MN Values Podcast

The House Majority has started a new podcast called the Minnesota Values Podcast. It’s a new show that takes you behind the scenes at the State Capitol and provides an in-depth conversation about proposals moving forward to put Minnesotans’ values into action. Assistant Majority Leader Jamie Long and Majority Whip Liz Olson are the show’s co-hosts, and will produce new episodes throughout session.

You can subscribe and listen to the Minnesota Values Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or at soundcloud.com/mnValuesPod.
Keep in touch with your ideas, feedback and questions. I appreciate and value your thoughtful input.

Sincerely,
Steve Elkins
State Representative