Legislative Update Issued by Minnesota State Rep. Anselmo

ST. PAUL, Minn., Aug. 29 -- The Minnesota State House Republican Caucus issued the following legislative update from Minnesota State Rep. Dario Anselmo:

Here is an update with the latest news from the Capitol.

Health Care Reforms Show Promise

Late last month, the Minnesota Department of Commerce released preliminary rates for the 2018 individual insurance market. The great news is that it looks like reforms passed this session to address ongoing issues with our individual market could end the four year trend of double-digit premium increases. In fact, if the federal government approves the Minnesota Premium Security Plan, tens of thousands of Minnesotans could see a decrease in their rates! That's a huge turnaround considering the costs have gone up by an average of double-digits every year since 2014 including nearly 60 percent for 2017.

According to the Department of Commerce, without the reforms we crafted this session, rates would have risen by 25 percent or more for 2018. Addressing accessibility and affordability on the individual market was important for many Edina families and small business owners, and I am pleased to see positive news on this front.

Final rates for the 2018 individual market are expected to be released in October, and I will share more with you then.

Back to School Time!

We're nearing the end of summer which means back to school times for kids across Edina. I want to wish everyone luck on the start of a new school year!

This year, we passed a comprehensive education bill that puts more money in every classroom, improves student learning, and works to ensure every child has access to a world-class education. Edina is blessed with wonderful schools and educators dedicated to their students!

Additionally, for all the parents out there with kids in K12, I wanted to remind you about the Minnesota K12 Education Credit and Subtraction. Many school supplies qualify, along with tutors, textbooks, and music lessons, so don't forget to save your receipts!

To learn more, visit the Minnesota Department of Revenue's website (http://www.revenue.state.mn.us/Pages/default.aspx).

State Fair Time

This week marks the beginning of the Minnesota State Fair--a great event for the whole family!

If you're planning a trip to the fair over the next couple weeks, I encourage you to check out the Minnesota House of Representatives booth located in the Education Building. There you can meet legislators from across the state, take a survey on important issues being debated at the Capitol and learn more about your state government.

Learn more about the booth here (https://www.facebook.com/events/489984888020519/).''

I welcome you to contact my office at any time to share your thoughts, concerns and ideas about what you would like to see happen at the Capitol. Your input is invaluable and helps me better represent the voices and priorities of our community. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-4363 or by email at Rep.Dario.Anselmo@House.mn.

It is an honor and privilege to serve as your voice at the Capitol.

Sincerely,

Dario