SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Lawmakers returned to the State Capitol today for the start of the 2020 Minnesota legislative session. Rep. Dave Lislegard (DFL – Aurora) is excited for the work ahead to strengthen opportunities for families in northern Minnesota and across the state.
“It’s an incredible honor to represent the people of the Iron Range at the State Capitol, and I’m excited and optimistic for our work ahead to build a Minnesota that works better for all of us,” Rep. Lislegard said. “There’s a great deal we can do – working together – to help ensure our children have the opportunity to achieve in the classroom, people can afford the health care they depend on, families can experience a secure economic future, and communities like ours in northern Minnesota can thrive.”
This session, his priorities include new investments in early care and learning for the youngest Minnesotans – including efforts to address the state’s child care shortage – which will improve children’s potential for success later on in life. As pharmaceutical companies rake in massive profits through high drug prices, Rep. Lislegard supports legislation such as “the Alec Smith Emergency Insulin Act.” The bill would help ensure Minnesotans facing an emergency — those most in danger of rationing their insulin due to the high cost of the drug — have access to an immediate refill at their pharmacy, and he supports other solutions to address skyrocketing prescription drug costs.
Rep. Lislegard is also committed to working alongside local leaders to deliver funding for Iron Range infrastructure improvements in a capital investment bonding bill. Regional projects include the proposed new public safety facility in Virginia, the Hoyt Lakes Arena, the East Range Area Water Treatment Facility, Eveleth’s aging public buildings, the Northeast Regional Corrections Center (NERCC), and trails throughout our district. He will also continue to advocate passionately to protect the Iron Range’s way of life and to grow the regional economy through new opportunities, including mining.
Rep. Lislegard encourages constituents to contact him with input or if he can ever be of assistance. He can be reached at the Capitol by phone at 651-296-0170 or email at rep.dave.lislegard@house.mn. His Facebook page can be found at fb.com/repdavelislegard.