Dear Friends,
Now that the Legislature is back from the Easter/Passover break, we’re getting started on a full plate of issues to address before adjourning May 21. Here are some updates from the Capitol:
Letter to the Leaders
On Monday, Gov. Dayton sent a letter to legislative leaders, calling on them to prioritize issues where compromise is within reach over the next couple of weeks. These issues include protecting elderly and vulnerable adults from abuse and neglect, ensuring the safety of our schoolchildren, and tackling the opioid crisis.
We must face these challenges immediately. Too often, these important provisions are swept up in end-of-session games and we cannot allow that to happen when we can instead take meaningful action to improve the lives of our neighbors here in Minnesota.
Weak Republican Elder Care Response
Protecting elderly and vulnerable adults’ rights to live with dignity is a profound responsibility for our state. Gov. Dayton and the DFL have made it a priority but the response from Republicans has been underwhelming to say the least.
Elderly and vulnerable adults deserve rapid action, not the year of study proposed by House Republicans. The harm experienced by our cherished elders must be taken seriously. I’ll continue to champion solutions, not only studies, for our seniors this session.
Penny-A-Pill Assessment Dropped From Opioid Bill
In the original proposal that gained bipartisan support, the Opioid Stewardship Program would have been funded by a “penny-a-pill” assessment on pharmaceutical companies who produce opioid painkillers. It has since been dropped from the legislation. These companies face no accountability for their role in fueling this crisis, so as they continue to profit from the use of opioids, they should contribute a modest amount to address this epidemic.
Equal Pay Day
April 10th was Equal Pay Day. Equal Pay Day is the point in the year when the salaries of white women finally catch up with men’s salaries from the previous year. In Minnesota, white women earn 83 cents for every dollar a man makes, and the gap is even wider for indigenous women and women of color. We have a lot more to do to properly address this issue.
You can find more information here at the National Women’s Law Center.
Delay in Securing Minnesota’s Pension System
Minnesota’s pension system is under stress, but one bipartisan fix has already passed the Senate unanimously and Gov. Dayton indicated he would sign it once it reaches his desk. The bill cuts $6 billion in liabilities while securing the retirements of hundreds of thousands of professionals who dedicated their careers to making Minnesota a wonderful place to live.
I’ll continue to urge the Republican majority to bring this bill up for a vote and send it to Gov. Dayton’s desk without delay. Our neighbors who have worked hard to serve this state do not deserve to have their retirement used as a political bargaining chip.
It’s a pleasure to meet so many constituents each week and a privilege to represent you. Thank you all for bringing your voices to the Capitol.
Final Reminder: You’re Invited!
I’d like to invite you to our constituent town hall hosted by Sen. Richard Cohen, Rep. Dave Pinto, and myself.
The town hall will be held on Monday, April 16 from 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m. in the Minnesota State Capitol L’etoile du Nord Vault. This room is located in the basement of the Capitol.
Although parking is at a premium during session, there are two and four hour parking meters on either side of the streets north, southwest, and southeast of the Capitol building. There is public parking available in Lot F, Lot Q and also metered public parking is available in surface Lot C on the corner of Sherburne and Rice Street. The Green Line also stops right next to the Capitol at the Capitol/Rice Street Station. Additionally, there are many bike racks around the Capitol complex, just make sure to bring your own lock.
Mighty Together,
Erin