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Dear neighbors,
It’s been a busy couple of weeks at the Capitol. Here’s an update on the important bills that we’ve passed in the Minnesota House:
Minnesota’s Response to Coronavirus
On March 6, state officials confirmed Minnesota’s first case of COVID-19, commonly referred to as the coronavirus. I’m hearing from many community members who want to know what our state is doing to prepare for and stop the spread of this viral respiratory illness.
First, I want to assure you that Minnesota is prepared to respond to an outbreak. On Monday, the Minnesota House and Senate approved a coronavirus response bill. Governor Walz signed the bill into law yesterday. Public health officials are working around the clock, and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is in constant contact with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hospitals, clinicians, and local officials.
Minnesotans should follow the advice of the CDC and MDH to help prevent the spread of this disease:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with your sleeve or a tissue, not your hand.
- Stay home when sick.
- Stay informed. Visit the MDH and CDC websites often.
I will share news and updates as I receive them. You can visit www.health.state.mn.us for up-to-date and accurate information about COVID-19. MDH has also set up a public hotline that will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. You can call the hotline at 651-201-3920.
Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act
The cost of insulin has tripled in the last 10 years, and it’s forced one in four people with diabetes to ration their insulin.
The Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act, the first bill we passed in the House this session, is named after a young man who lost his life because he had to ration insulin after aging out of his parents’ health insurance. Alec’s Bill would help Minnesotans get the insulin they need at a price they can afford in an emergency and long-term. It also holds insulin manufacturers accountable for inflating the cost of lifesaving medications. The bill passed with bipartisan support and is now in the hands of the Minnesota Senate.
Paid Family & Medical Leave Act
Far too many Minnesotans are forced to choose between work and taking care of a loved one or themselves. Last week, my colleagues and I approved the Paid Family & Medical Leave Act, a bill that gives workers time to bond with a newborn, help an aging parent, or care for a sick child. Millions of hardworking Minnesotans and their families would benefit from the increased economic security that paid family and medical leave provides. Offering these benefits helps employers attract and retain workers, so small businesses would benefit from paid family and medical leave as well.
It’s worth noting that paid family and medical leave could also help prevent the spread of diseases like influenza and coronavirus. If our state had paid family and medical leave, Minnesotans could stay home when they’re sick without worrying about losing a paycheck that they need to pay the rent or buy groceries.
Support for New Maplewood Fire Station
One of the bills that I’m carrying this session would help the City of Maplewood build a new fire station. The new facility would replace the North Station on E. County Road C and allow the city to close the Central Station on N. Clarence Street. Rebuilding one fire station and closing another would help Maplewood deliver emergency services more efficiently and save money in the long run. The Pioneer Press recently published an article about these proposed changes. It’s available here if you’d like to read more.
Emergency Medical Services Chief Michael Mondor testified in support of my bill at its first public hearing.
Be Ready for REAL ID
Starting on October 1, 2020, you won’t be able to use a regular driver’s license or ID card to board an airplane or enter certain federal facilities. Instead, you’ll need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card or another acceptable form of identification. The Department of Public Safety is encouraging folks who want a REAL ID to apply as soon as possible. Minnesotans will need to submit their applications no later than June 15 in order to receive one prior to the deadline.
More information about REAL ID, including a complete breakdown of the documents you’ll need to apply, is available here. To save time and make sure you have everything you need before you visit the DMV, you can pre-apply online at realid.dps.mn.gov.
2020 Census Reminder
This week the U.S. Census Bureau will start sending information about the 2020 Census to every Minnesota household. If you have any questions about how to be counted, click here to download a fact sheet or here to watch a short video.
Please fill out your census form online or on paper. The census provides crucial data that’s used to determine how much federal funding our state receives for schools, fire departments, roads and bridges, and other services we all rely on. Census data also impacts representation at the local, state, and national level because it’s used to redraw the boundaries of legislative districts to account for population changes. A strong, accurate count helps ensure fair distribution of resources and equal representation.
Please feel free to contact me with questions and feedback. I look forward to hearing from you and sharing more updates soon!
Sincerely,
Peter Fischer
State Representative
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