Dear neighbors,
On Saturday, I toured the Minnesota Zoo with several legislators and their families. It was a great opportunity to see some magnificent animals and the behind-the-scenes work that goes into taking care of them. I encourage you all to visit sometime! Learn more at mnzoo.org.
Today is a big day in the House. During the floor session this afternoon, we are hearing two plans to prevent further tragedies due to distracted driving and the opioid epidemic. I’m voting for both bills.
Hands-Free Driving
Distracted driving is a factor in one of five crashes in Minnesota, and fatalities are on the rise. This bill would require drivers to use their cell phones in hands-free mode (HF 50). Families of distracted driving victims say that the lives of Minnesotans are more important than any call or text you might receive, and similar laws have saved lives in other states. Watch a press conference held this morning here for more details.
Addressing the Opioid Epidemic
The opioid epidemic continues to cause tragedies throughout the state, and we can’t wait any longer for solutions. The comprehensive plan to address the opioid crisis (HF 400) would create an Opioid Stewardship Advisory Council to fund prevention, treatment, and recovery services. The funding would come from fees paid by Big Pharma. Opioid manufacturers and distributors created this epidemic and have collected record profits while Minnesota families and communities pay the price. It’s time to hold them accountable and end the opioid epidemic.
Scientific Results
A recent study shows that insecticides have negative impacts on deer. Scientists found that neonicotinoids, insecticides that share chemical similarities with nicotine, impacted the physical development, health, and reproductive ability of female white-tailed deer and fawns. I’ve introduced bills on this topic for years – see HF 170 from 2017 and HF 2532 from 2016 – and will continue my efforts to protect wildlife from these chemicals.
As always, please reach out with your questions and feedback.
Sincerely,
Rick Hansen
State Representative