Dear Neighbors,
It’s been quite a week with various meetings, visits, and policy announcements. I want to make sure you’re up-to-date on some of the things happening around the state.
New Opioid Guidelines
Last week, I joined a group of doctors, stakeholders, and bipartisan officials to announce new prescribing guidelines for opioids. These come from the Opioid Prescribing Working Group, a coalition of doctors, health care professionals, and other stakeholders who understand the issue. This obviously isn’t the one single answer to overcome the opioid crisis, but any positive strides we can make are important.
At the press conference to announce the guidelines, I was also able to tell folks about the Opioid Family Recovery Act, a bill that could use $15-$20 million to fight the opioid crisis by funding community grants, treatment centers, PMP integration, and more. I’m working diligently with bipartisan legislators in the House and Senate, as well the governor’s office to get this passed. I believe this is the year to take a strong stand in our fight against opioid abuse and addiction.
Homeless Veteran Initiative
Recently, I went with some of my fellow legislators to the old Minnesota State Hospital in Anoka to help renovate two unused buildings. A group of volunteers, business owners, and government officials are working to turn these buildings into housing for homeless veterans. This is truly a great cause that will house upwards of 60 veterans when everything is complete. As the weather gets colder, the reality of homelessness becomes much more impactful. I’m happy to see these buildings come along so we can try and help our homeless vets have a warm place to stay this winter. If you’re interested, here’s a short video of the event.
Technology Hearing
As chair of the Select Committee on Technology and Responsive Government, I’ve taken the issues plaguing the state’s new licensing system, MNLARS, very seriously. We’ve held a couple meetings around the state to hear from residents about problems the state needs to fix. On Wednesday, we held a hearing in St. Paul. Despite those in charge of MNLARS saying things were improving, we heard from more license center workers and small business owners who are still desperate for a fix.
We’re doing all we can to ensure our state agencies are working to fix the ongoing problems. It’s been a slow process, but one we’ll continue to monitor. We know you deserve better from the State of Minnesota, and we’re going to make sure that happens.
Please Contact Me
Feel free to call or email if you have questions about these topics, or would just like to schedule a time to meet.
Have a great weekend,
Dave