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Dear Granite City Neighbors,
Today, several new laws go into effect, including the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act. Alec’s bill was one I was proud to cosponsor when it was first introduced last year, and since then I’ve heard countless stories from families in St. Cloud and across the state that have struggled with affording life-saving insulin. Alec Smith was a 26 year old Minnesotan who could no longer afford his insulin once he aged off of his parents’ health insurance, and like many diabetics, he began to ration his medicine.
Tragically, Alec died, and his experience was not unique. One quarter of diabetics have reported rationing their insulin, a drug that has skyrocketed in price in past years. Alec’s bill, now law, will help ensure people with diabetes can access the insulin they need to live in an emergency situation, and create a long-term path to access affordable insulin.
Insulin manufacturers, who have profited off the rising costs of insulin, will be held accountable by paying into this solution, a more than reasonable mandate that they are now suing against. My heart aches for the families who have experienced loss or are struggling to afford the medication they desperately need, and I’ll continue to fight for a Minnesota where patients are put ahead of profits. You can read about this new law and others, including the Prescription Drug Price Transparency Act, here.
An Age Friendly Minnesota
The AARP has put out a survey to inform the work of the Governor’s Council on an Age Friendly Minnesota, which is working to drive coordinated action across state agencies and move Minnesota toward being a more livable, age friendly state. The full survey can be taken by individual Minnesota residents, age 45+ through July 3, 2020. You can take the survey here.
Stay Connected
Minnesota’s COVID-19 Dashboard remains a great source for accurate, updated information, and the new Stay Safe webpage covers the resources available to the public as we work to reopen Minnesota safely.
Please feel free to continue to reach out to me with any questions or comments you have on our work this session. You can reach me at (651) 296-6612, or email me at rep.dan.wolgamott@house.mn. I’ll also be posting frequent updates on my Facebook page. I look forward to hearing from you.
Wishing you all a safe and healthy 4th of July! There are several events going on in St. Cloud this week, you can read about them here, including when and where to watch fireworks.
Sincerely,
Rep. Dan Wolgamott
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