Legislative Update - July 19, 2024

Dear Neighbors, 

I want to start off by sharing that this will be my last legislative update until later this year. Whether seeking reelection or not, legislators cannot send certain communication to constituents from the Capitol during an election period, including newsletters like this. Therefore, this will be my last update until November. However, I’m still available to help with any state-level issues and will continue to be responsive to our neighbors, so please stay in touch!

I’ll leave you with an update on recent and upcoming events, along with some resources available to our community.

Minnesota Asian Pacific Caucus - 2024 Session Review

Please join me and my fellow members of the MN Asian Pacific - MAP Caucus on August 1 for our 2024 session review and report. We accomplished a great deal the last biennium and we look forward to sharing it with everyone!

We’ll be at SEWA-AIFW from 6-8pm. I hope to see you there!

Korean War Vets

Minnesota is home to the largest Korean adoptee community in the country. It was fitting to have Mayor Choi of Sejong City, South Korea, visit this week. He acknowledged the successes but also the hardships Koreans have experienced, and pledged his ongoing support of fostering belonging. The night’s gathering also served as an opportunity to honor Minnesota Korean War Veterans and their families for their sacrifices in defending South Korea.

Prescription Drug Price Transparency

All Minnesotans deserve to live healthy lives, but too many people are forced to pay exorbitant prices for prescription drugs. Prices for medications continue to skyrocket while pharmaceutical companies rake in massive profits.

In addition to capping co-pays for certain products for chronic conditions like inhalers, insulin, and EpiPens at $25 per month, in 2023, Democrats at the State Capitol took action to shine a bright light on drug costs by requiring pharmaceutical companies and other parties to report certain data on price hikes. In June, the Minnesota Department of Health issued its inaugural List of Drugs with Substantial Public Interest. 

Next, the department is gathering input from Minnesotans about how prescription drug prices impact their health care, what affordability concerns exist, and which drugs might benefit from pricing transparency. You can give your recommendations and share your stories about how drug prices have impacted you or your family by taking this survey.

Accessible State Parks

One of the best summer activities is visiting Minnesota’s beautiful state parks, and now, thanks to the dedicated disability justice organizers in our state, our parks are accessible to more Minnesotans with all-terrain track chairs available at 13 Minnesota State Parks. Track chairs are electric-powered chairs that can be used on designated trails within the park. They can help visitors explore areas of the state parks in new ways, often on trails that are not suitable for regular wheelchairs.  

Track chairs are available year-round in some locations, and seasonally in others. To reserve a chair, call the park you plan to visit. 

Stay Connected

Though you won't be receiving these updates for a while, I can always respond to any questions, comments, or ideas you may have! Some of the best legislation gets its start in conversations that take place during the interim, so please feel free to reach out at 651-296-8799 or rep.kaohly.her@house.mn.gov, and you’ll hear back from me or my Legislative Assistant, Emma. I always appreciate hearing from you!

You can also follow along on my official Facebook page, and subscribe to these regular emails if you haven’t already. 

Thank you again for the honor of representing our community. Have an incredible summer and fall, and I’ll see you around!

Sincerely, 

Kaohly Vang Her

State Representative