Legislative Update- April 20, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

I hope this finds you continuing to stay well and getting lots of sunshine with our strong tradition of enjoying the great outdoors on our vast amounts of trails, lakes and outdoor spaces. Did you know we owe access of so much of our green spaces, trails and lakes to one of our early Governors who believed in the Scandinavian concept of “all man's land"? That is the rough translation, but for you and me, it means the concept that the beauty and splendor all around us belongs to everyone to enjoy.

Speaking of getting outdoors to soak up the sun and the scenery, you asked and we listened. This past week brought good news for Minnesotans: new executive action to reopen outdoor recreation opportunities, including golf courses and boating businesses.

Facilities that may reopen or remain open include:

• Bait shops for live bait
• Outdoor shooting ranges and game farms
• Public and private parks and trails
• Golf courses and driving ranges
• Boating and off-highway vehicle services, including:
  • Marina services
  • Dock installation and other lake services
  • Boat and off-highway vehicle sales and repair, by appointment only

You can learn more about what this means here. I expect more of these measures to continue as we work together to slow the spread of the virus and find bipartisan consensus on safely and responsibly reopening various sectors of the economy. This is part of what makes us Minnesotan, we are a resilient lot!

Minnesota House Approves Takeout Wine & Beer

Once again - You asked, we listened. The Minnesota House of Representatives passed legislation this past week to allow takeout sales of beer and wine from bars and restaurants with curbside food pick-ups during the COVID-19 pandemic. This by no means is a fix-all solution, but will help bring in some additional revenues to our local Maple Grove and Osseo restaurants and bars who are struggling.

The legislation allows bars and restaurants with liquor licenses to sell up to 72 ounces – the equivalent of one six-pack – of beer, cider or hard seltzer and up to 750 milliliters of wine – the equivalent of one bottle – with food orders. The alcoholic beverages must be sold in their original, unopened containers.

So whether you would like to add a little something to date night, or just enjoy kicking one back responsibly from home, this is yet one more way to support the bottom line of our local businesses.

COVID-19 Response Legislation Passes in House and Senate

The Legislature approved a 4^th package of bills to address COVID-19 daily disruptions to Minnesotans during the pandemic. These focus on policy adjustments to current statutes to help Minnesotans adapt. Measures passed include additional support to help Minnesotans execute wills, allow local governments to meet remotely, suspend certain deadlines and expiration dates, expand use of telemedicine, allow Minnesotans to apply for marriage licenses during the peacetime emergency without appearing in person, and more. You can read an overview of the legislation from the nonpartisan office of House Public Information.

Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act

As the sister of a Type 1 Diabetic, I was proud to cast my vote in favor of our new landmark law, the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act, this week. I have been a vocal champion for the legislation that ensures that Minnesotans who cannot afford their insulin and are facing an emergency need can access a 30-day supply at their pharmacy for a co-pay of $35. As a champion for working families, I am even more proud of this comprehensive bill includes all eligible Minnesotans who are uninsured, under-insured, receiving Medicare and do not have access to low co-pays. The legislation also streamlines the process by which Minnesotans can access affordable insulin in the long-term. Insulin manufacturers would participate in the program and could be fined up to $3.6 million a year, doubling in the second year, for non-compliance. 

Minnesotans should never lose their lives because they can’t afford their lifesaving medications. I understand the daily sacrifices and precautions diabetics are already making to survive. Read my full statement on the vote here.

Statewide Mask Drive

Governor Walz recently launched a week-long statewide homemade mask drive to encourage Minnesotans to create homemade masks for donation and highlight the importance of workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. On Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Maple Grove residents can deliver homemade masks to the Maple Grove Fire Department. Osseo residents can deliver masks to the Osseo Fire Department. The departments will then deliver the masks to local congregate living facilities for their employees and residents to wear.

Join me virtually for a cup of coffee (or tea)!

I hope you can join me Saturday morning on Facebook Live to share your thoughts or questions about what we’re doing as a state to respond to COVID-19.

Here’s the information:

Saturday, April 25 at 10:00 a.m., steaming live on my official Facebook Page.

Even if you can’t make it on Saturday, I hope you’ll continue to contact me on any issue that’s important to you and your family. Please don’t hesitate to let me know how I can be of assistance.

Be safe, be healthy, and be well!

Sincerely,

Kristin Bahner

Your State Representative