Legislative Update- February 21, 2024

Dear Neighbors,

The legislative session is fully underway! Committees are busy hearing bills, with the first major milestone being the release of an updated budget forecast on February 29. See my most recent e-update (“Session Preview: Fiscal Picture”) for more background.

In the meantime, I join our entire state in in mourning the loss of Burnsville police officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge and firefighter/paramedic Adam Finseth, who were shot and killed early Sunday while responding to a domestic assault. From my non-legislative work as a prosecutor, I know that these crimes can be some of the most dangerous for first responders, especially with the proliferation of guns in our society. I’m so grateful to these heroes, and that of the other first responders who bravely put themselves in harm’s way for the benefit of all of us. May their selfless service be an inspiration to each of us.

Chat with Dave – March 9

Thanks to the more than 50 people who attended this session’s first Chat with Dave on February 10. It was a terrific conversation. Please save the date for the next in this series of informal conversations with constituents. We’ll meet on Saturday, March 9 from 1:00pm to 2:00pm at Palace Community Center (781 Palace Ave).

“One Minnesota” Conference Launches Session

The One Minnesota conference, held on the second day of session, is an annual tradition, setting a bipartisan and productive tone for the session to come. This year's theme was early childhood development, including a keynote address by Dr. Lindsey Burghardt of the national Center on the Developing Child. I’m thrilled to have this as such a high priority this session; every child deserves a #GreatStartMN.

Update on Legislative Child Protection Task Force

I recently appeared on Almanac with Senator Nicole Mitchell to discuss the Legislative Task Force on Child Protection. You can click on the photo below to see the interview.

Investments to Fight Hunger

No Minnesotan should go hungry. Yesterday, the committee that I chair heard a presentation on the significant funding for food security that passed during the 2023 legislative session. Because of these investments, many food shelves have been able to lift restrictions on visits – which sometimes were as strict as only once per month - allowing more Minnesotans to access needed food.

Having said this, the need is still great, with food-shelf visits up by 25% in a year. The committee also heard three proposals to expand eligibility for federal food assistance. More details in this press release.

Insulin Prices Capped

For those who need it, insulin is essential to survival. And for a medicine whose original patent was sold for $1, its price has been exorbitant. In 2020, we passed the Alec Smith Act (see my e-update from the time, at “Action on Insulin”), to provide emergency insulin and cap the price of a longer-term supply. In 2023, we limited co-pays for prescription drugs and supplies, including insulin pens and pumps. Several weeks ago, Attorney General Keith Ellison announced a landmark settlement that caps the cost of insulin at just $35; learn more here. All of these efforts are helping more Minnesotans to better afford the health, safety, and dignity that they deserve.

Claim Your Child Tax Credit – and Get Help Filing Taxes

The expanded Child Tax Credit which passed last year will reduce child poverty by a third (!) and help families to better afford their lives. The credit applies to incomes of up to $90,750 for a family with four kids. Claim it by filing a 2023 income tax return. More info at https://www.revenue.state.mn.us/child-tax-credit.

Need help filing that tax return? More than 170 site across the state – including Merriam Park  and Hallie Q. Brown Community Centers – offer FREE help with filing income tax and property tax refund returns. Find hours, eligibility requirements, and more here.

Share Your Vision for MN

Nearly seven years ago, colleagues in the Minnesota House and I founded the Minnesota Values Project,  a partnership between Minnesotans, elected officials, and organizations to create a shared vision for the future of our state. At the time, leaders in the state Legislature, Congress, and the White House were pushing a hard-right agenda. MVP helped provide a foundation for a response and eventually for the historic 2023 legislative session.

As we build toward the next phase of this work, we're looking for continued input from Minnesotans. Please consider clicking here to complete a short survey on your hopes, goals, and vision for our state. And please share with others as well! #EverybodyIn

Thank you for the honor of serving our community,

Dave Pinto 
State Representative
District 64B, 503 State Office Building

Subscribe to my email updates: www.house.leg.state.mn.us/64b 
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