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Dear neighbors,
Yesterday, the Minnesota House and Senate passed the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act, legislation that will help people with diabetes get the insulin they need at a price they can afford. This bill, which is named after a young man who lost his life because he was forced to ration his insulin, ensures Minnesotans can access an emergency supply of insulin. It also includes measures to help people access affordable insulin long-term.
We also passed a package of legislation that will provide needed flexibility and assistance to Minnesotans during the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation allows local governments to meet remotely, suspends certain deadlines and expiration dates, expands use of telemedicine, gives the Department of Health authority to set up alternative health care facilities, and more.
You can read more about the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act here. More information about the latest COVID-19 response legislation is available here.
Grants for Veterans Now Available
Minnesota veterans and their families deserve support during this challenging time. We recently passed a bill that included $6.2 million in aid for veterans or their surviving spouses who have been negatively impacted by the pandemic. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) has begun accepting applications for these grants.
To apply, contact your local County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) or MDVA Field Operations Representative. You can find a CVSO near you here, and MDVA Field Operations Representatives can be reached at FO.MDVA@state.mn.us. More information about the grants is available here.
Energy Assistance Available
Minnesota’s Energy Assistance Program helps renters and homeowners pay for heating costs. Eligible individuals can receive initial grants from $200 to $1,400, and additional funds are available to help Minnesotans pay past due bills, get an emergency fuel delivery, or have a furnace repaired or replaced. The Department of Commerce has made several changes to this program to help Minnesotans who are facing challenging times. Click here to learn more, or call 1-800-657-3710 to connect with your local service provider.
New OLA Report
A new report from the Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA) was released this morning. The report is about select technology-related controls overseen by the Minnesota Department of Human Services and Minnesota IT Services. You can read it here.
Burning Restrictions
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently announced that burning restrictions will begin immediately after snowmelt. The intent of the restrictions is to reduce the potential for wildfire and emergency response. The DNR will grant variance permits for agricultural field and construction site preparation and limited prescribed burning. Minnesotans can call their local DNR Forestry Office to obtain a variance.
I had the opportunity to do a permitted Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) burn on my farm last weekend.
Please take care of yourself and your loved ones and feel free to contact me if I can be of assistance.
Sincerely,
Rick Hansen
State Representative
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