Legislative Update- February 14, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

I hope you’ve had a great week. The Minnesota Legislature kicked off the 2020 session on Tuesday and the House hit the ground running. Much of our focus this year will be on unfinished business from 2019. I’ll continue to work hard to protect and enhance health care access and affordability, keep Minnesotans safe through common-sense gun safety measures, and advocate for passage of a public infrastructure improvement bill that invests in clean water, our higher education institutions, roads and bridges, parks and trails, and many other community assets for Minnesota families. Our Minnesota Values Plan will help guide our work.

Insulin Update

On the first day of session, the House Commerce Committee approved the Alec Smith Affordable Insulin Act, which ensures Minnesotans have access to an emergency supply of insulin at a price they can afford. The Senate passed their version of a bill, however, it still makes patients to pay a $75 copay, instead of requiring pharmaceutical manufactures to contribute a small portion of their profits to help fund the program. Emergencies are never convenient and must be taken into consideration as a part of the solution for people when they need it most. We’re long overdue to get this done and I’ll continue to advocate for access to affordable insulin so nobody else loses a child.

Shari Wiltrout, the mother of two type-one diabetic teenage daughters, displays a one month supply of their insulin, and the amount of cash that it costs, during her testimony on HF3100 in the House Commerce Committee Feb. 11. Photo by Paul Battaglia

Early Childhood Care & Learning

Yesterday, my House colleagues announced our proposal to close the opportunity gap and invest in early child care and learning. The Great Start for All Minnesota Children Act will alleviate the financial constraints on young families and at the same time ensure our youngest Minnesotans have an opportunity to get off to a great start in life. Research shows that the biggest payoff comes in the earliest weeks and months of life — birth to age three. As a member of the Early Childhood Finance and Policy Committee, I look forward to participating in the discussion when the bill is before us.

Children’s Hospital Minnesota Health Hero Award

I am honored to have recently received the 2019 Minnesota Health Hero Award from Children’s Hospital with my colleague Rep. Edelson. Ensuring our youngest Minnesotans have access to quality early care continues to be a priority of mine and I’ll keep supporting strategies that keep our kids healthy and safe.  

Stay Connected

This session will move quickly as we’re required to adjourn by May 18. Please contact me anytime with questions, input, or to let me know how I can be of assistance. If you’re interested in additional updates, follow me on my official Facebook page.

It’s an honor to represent you in St. Paul!

Sincerely,

Kelly