House Notebook by Peggy Bennett

Peggy Bennett is the District 27A representative.

As we turn the page on 2016, it’s time to start looking ahead toward the 2017 legislative session. On Tuesday, I’ll join my colleagues back in St. Paul for our official swearing-in ceremony, and, from there, we’ll spend the next five months working for our constituents and our state.

It will be a different dynamic when we return to the Capitol. While Republicans still control the House, the Senate flipped from Democrat control to Republican control. As always, though, it will be important to continue to find bipartisan solutions for Minnesota. Part of being in the majority isn’t just advancing your own beliefs and bills, but listening and discussing ideas you may not agree with to make the strongest legislation possible. I look forward to working across the aisle, and hearing new viewpoints. From health care to tax relief, and everything in between, we have a tall task in the next session. I look forward to the challenge.

Health care has undoubtedly risen to the top of the list for 2017 issues. Individuals and families are seeing skyrocketing premiums and deductibles. I’ve heard from families who could pay over $30,000 before they see any benefit from their insurance. That’s simply unaffordable. We need to work with both parties for both short-term and long-term solutions to lower health care costs.

In addition, we must improve health care access for people. When health care reform hit Minnesota in 2013, we were told we could keep our doctors, but that promise hasn’t withstood the test of time. In many counties, there are a limited number of insurance providers, which will be even worse next year. This is causing people to lose their longtime doctors and hospitals. This is another health care area that must be addressed. 

Although health care will be at the forefront of discussion early in session, we also need to get moving on tax relief for Minnesotans. The Legislature passed a great tax bill last session but, unfortunately, it was vetoed by the governor. This strongly bipartisan bill was full of tax relief for farmers, small businesses, military veterans, working families and more. I don’t expect this year’s bill to look exactly the same, but am hoping last year’s bill will provide a good foundation for tax relief discussions this year.

I am looking forward to serving on a number of committees this session. I will again be part of two education committees, and can’t wait to work for our students, parents and teachers to create an education budget and meaningful reforms to benefit our learners. I’m also grateful to again be assigned to an agriculture committee. Southern Minnesota has a rich history of farming, and this committee will help me be more of a voice for local farmers. Lastly, I’ll work with the committee in charge of the bonding bill. It’s a new area for me, and one I can’t wait to learn more about.

Although I’ll be in St. Paul for much of the next few months, it’s important to stay in contact with my constituents. I welcome calls, emails or visits, and would love to hear about the issues that matter to the families of our district.