Dear Neighbors,
The snow is still deep, but it has been two months since the Minnesota legislature convened. Each session is different, and this one is marked by an almost frantic pace with a huge volume of work being done and never enough time to do it. Committees are meeting all day and late into the evening as we pour over the details of proposed legislation.
Governor Walz has introduced his proposed budget and the House and Senate are working to develop their own budget frameworks. As Chair of the House Health and Human Services Finance Division, I am mostly focused on that area. I’m working with my colleagues and the Walz administration to improve health and health care for all Minnesotans, to provide better opportunity to those who need assistance, and to make critical services more efficient and sustainable.
Here are a few things happening at the Minnesota Capitol.
Gun Violence Prevention
Minnesotans have been loud and clear that they want their legislators to address the epidemic of senseless gun violence in our communities. Two House Committees have already passed this important legislation.
House File 8 expands criminal background checks to all gun sales and transfers -- helping to close loopholes exploited by dangerous individuals such as domestic abusers. House File 9, is also known as the “red flag law.” It allows a court to order the temporary removal of firearms from a person who is a danger to himself or others.
My DFL colleagues and I are committed to keeping guns out of the hands of dangerous people, and these bills will help save lives.
Reducing Youth Tobacco Use
Minnesotans know that reducing smoking is one of the best ways to improve the health of our population and save money, too. Most smokers start while in their teens or twenties, and for decades youth smoking had been decreasing. E-cigarettes have changed that. The Surgeon General has called the increase in use of e-cigarettes an “epidemic.” Big Tobacco targets teenagers and young adults because they know that this is when people are most likely to become addicted to nicotine. That’s why the experts recommend raising the minimum age to buy tobacco products—which many local communities have already done. A bill to raise the age statewide is moving through the legislature and enjoying broad support. Another bill would add e-cigarettes to the definition of smoking under the Minnesota Clean Indoor Air Act, while another would continue funding services and strategies to help current smokers quit.
It is critical to do what we can to prevent new smokers from starting and to help current smokers quit. I’m proud to be part of these efforts.
Making Prescription Drugs More Affordable
One of the major drivers for the high cost of health care is prescription drug prices. Too many Minnesotans can’t afford even the medications that are necessary to live. I’ve joined the AARP in supporting a bill to stop prescription drug price gouging. The measure would create some transparency and, when prices are increased to an unconscionable level, would give the Minnesota Attorney General the power to investigate and take action.
Advocates have come to the Capitol recently to highlight the soaring price of insulin. Because of steep price increases, some people with diabetes are having to ration their insulin--with sometimes tragic consequences. The House Commerce Committee and Health and Human Services Committees are considering several approaches to help, and to help all Minnesotans get the drugs they need without going broke. One of these bills would allow these Minnesotans to access an emergency supply of insulin if they can’t afford it on their own. Other bills propose different approaches to improve a pharmaceutical market that has gotten seriously out of whack.
The governor’s budget includes a proposal for a single pharmacy benefit for everyone on Minnesota’s public health care programs. Minnesotans on Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare would save money and so would the state. Eventually, this benefit could be made available at cost to employers and other insurance plans, bringing down the price of drugs by using the state’s buying power to negotiate the best deals with drug manufacturers and passing the savings along to Minnesotans.
Great Start for All Minnesota Children Act (House File 1)
Minnesotans value kids, and we want every one of them to get the best possible start. House File 1, the Great Start for All Minnesota Children Act, makes new investments in early learning, child care, prenatal care, and home visiting. The bill received its first public hearing last week, focusing on the “Great Start Fund” contained in the bill. The fund will help more families with children under 3 afford quality care and learning, addressing both Minnesota’s opportunity gap and high child care costs.
The Early Childhood Committee heard from families who have benefited from the investments our state has already made in these critical programs. KSTP covered Thursday’s hearing here. More than 30 leading community organizations are standing with House DFLers to support this priority. In our changing and challenging world, we must make sure that every Minnesota child has the resources to develop their fullest potential.
Please continue to contact me with any of your comments, questions, and concerns. It’s an honor to represent you at the State Capitol.
Warmly,
Tina