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Dear Granite City Neighbors,
Since my latest update on the new “hands-free” law for Minnesota drivers, a topic that has been on my mind is a bill that unfortunately didn’t pass during this year’s legislative session. Today, I’d like to bring you an update on the Alec Smith Emergency Insulin Act, as well as some upcoming events in our community, including my visit to the St. Cloud Correctional Facility.
Alec Smith Emergency Insulin Act
Studies indicate that 1 in 4 diabetics have resorted to rationing their insulin due to the skyrocketing price of the drug. One of those was Alec Smith, a Minnesotan who aged-out of his parents insurance and was no longer able to afford his life-saving medication. Alec tragically passed away due to a lack of insulin, and this year at the Minnesota Legislature, Alec’s parents and other amazing advocates pushed for change, and that came in the form of the Alec Smith Emergency Insulin Act.
The Alec Smith Emergency Insulin Act would establish a means for Minnesotans who are unable to afford their needed insulin to get their prescription filled on a temporary basis. It would also authorize pharmacies to fill a temporary supply of insulin for patients whose prescription is out-of-date. Reimbursements for pharmacies would be paid through a fee on Big Pharma insulin manufacturers.
I was proud to cast my vote for the Alec Smith Emergency Insulin Act, but it was unfortunately blocked in the final hours of budget negotiations by Republicans in the Senate. Since session ended, work has continued to make sure this is an issue that isn’t placed on the back burner until the Legislature returns in February. Recent efforts include a bipartisan roundtable discussion on insulin, where legislators and advocates came together to discuss what can be done to make sure another Minnesotan never again dies from a lack of insulin.
This is an incredibly important issue, just this summer, another Minnesotan has died from rationing their insulin. I stand with Governor Walz and House leadership in calling for a special session to address this issue and pass this bill. Ultimately, this is the sticking point: Senate Republicans would rather have you, the taxpayer, cover the cost of this program instead of Big Pharma, who created and has handsomely profited from this crisis. It's time for them to realize that people matter more than profits. I hope you can join me in calling on our leaders in the Senate to address this issue now.
Building Safer Correctional Facilities
As Vice Chair of the House Corrections Division, I’m committed to making the St. Cloud Correctional Facility and our surrounding community safer. This legislative session, I led efforts to invest in additional correctional officers and reestablish the Ombudsperson for Corrections to better ensure that these facilities are properly staffed and supported.
To follow up on our work this year, and to prepare for the work that still needs to be done, I’ll be visiting the St. Cloud Correctional Facility next week to meet with Warden Miles and the correction officers that work there. This visit is part of my efforts in the Corrections Division to meet with the Minnesotans that manage these facilities and strive towards solutions that help them do their jobs and come home safe after a day’s work.
Stay In Touch!
There’s more work to be done to move Minnesota forward, and until the Legislature reconvenes on February 11, 2020, I’ll be back home working with you to find solutions. Keep an eye out for information on community town halls that I’ll be holding this fall! I’ll be sure to update you on those here, as well as my social media pages. Please feel free to call me at (651) 296-6612, or email me at rep.dan.wolgamott@house.mn if you have any questions, comments, or solutions to improve Minnesota together.
Go Huskies!
Rep. Dan Wolgamott |