Dear Neighbors,
The 2024 Legislative Session is now underway. I’m excited to be back in Saint Paul for what will be my final session at the Capitol, as – in case you missed it – I recently announced my intention to not seek reelection in 2024. I've decided it’s time for me to be back in the community I love and spend more time with my family and friends. Regardless of what the next chapter holds, I will always be an advocate for Duluth and its people.
Here at the Capitol, House DFLers are working to build on the historic progress from the 2023 legislative session, which included transformational investments in schools, new protections for workers, a record expansion of funding for housing, solutions to guarantee reproductive freedoms, protections for our LGBTQ+ neighbors, bold action to address the climate crisis, and more. Our shared commitment will continue to ensure working families have the opportunity to have a secure economic future, lower the cost of living, and ensure our communities can grow and thrive.
Child Tax Credit
In 2023, Minnesota Democrats enacted a nation-leading child tax credit projected to reduce childhood poverty by 1/3! The $1,750 credit is for each child 17 years old and younger, with no limit on the number of children. This is a refundable credit, so you may be eligible for a refund even if you do not owe tax, but you need to file a 2023 income tax return to receive it. More details are available from the Minnesota Department of Revenue.
Insulin Prices Capped
For many years, House DFLers have worked to ensure Minnesotans can afford the essential medications they need to live healthy lives, with one example being insulin. Unconscionably, drug companies raised the price of insulin by over 1,100% between 1990 and 2020.
In 2020, lawmakers enacted the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act, named after a young Minnesotan who tragically died because he was forced to ration his insulin due to its high cost. In 2023, the Legislature required insurance companies to limit co-pays for prescription drugs to treat chronic diseases at $25 per month. Earlier this month, Attorney General Keith Ellison announced a landmark settlement with drugmaker Eli Lily capping the total price of insulin for all Minnesotans at just $35 for the next five years. More information is available at www.ag.state.mn.us/MNinsulin35.
Workforce Standards Board Forum
Last year, on a bipartisan basis, lawmakers invested $300 million in Minnesota’s nursing homes over the next four years. To lift up the dedicated caregivers who support our older loved ones who reside in these facilities, the Legislature also created the Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board. The board is charged with conducting investigations into working conditions in the nursing home industry and setting reasonable employment standards to protect the health and welfare of nursing home workers.
The board is holding a public forum at the Duluth Public Library next Thursday, February 29 at 5 p.m. They are seeking to hear perspectives on current wages, benefits, and working conditions, challenges and opportunities facing nursing home staff, and ideas for improving recruitment, retention, and staff satisfaction. More information, including a sign-up form to register, is available here.
Please continue to be in touch with your feedback and input. It’s an honor to represent you.
Sincerely,
Liz Olson
State Representative