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Dear Neighbors,
I’m pleased to report that the Legislature is taking new action today to provide a social safety net for Minnesotans.
The Minnesota House and Senate have approved a bill that makes insulin affordable in an emergency and over the long-term, as well as a fourth COVID response package to provide workers, businesses, and families with flexibility, resources, and economic security during this unprecedented public health crisis. Governor Walz is expected to sign the bills into law as soon as this evening.
We have been working hard over the past month to help Minnesotans with unemployment insurance for people who have lost their jobs (including self-employed and contract workers), no-interest loans for small businesses that have closed (including restaurants and bars), housing security, food security, and workers’ comp for first responders and health care workers who contract the virus. We know there is a lot more to do and it can’t happen soon enough. I want to thank you for your patience as we use technology to do our jobs differently. We are committed to ensuring that the public has access to and can participate in their state government.
Continue reading for more information about Minnesota’s response to COVID-19. Please reach out if I can help answer your questions or connect you with resources. You can call my office at 651-296-3709 or send an email to rep.samantha.vang@house.mn. The best place to quickly find accurate and up-to-date information and get help is www.mn.gov/covid19.
Thank you for all you are doing to save lives and care for each other during these extremely challenging times.
Sincerely,
Samantha Vang
State Representative
Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act: What you need to know
Alec Smith passed away in 2017 at the age of 26 when he aged off of his parents’ health insurance and was forced to ration his insulin that he could no longer afford, due to its incredibly high cost. Alec’s story is unfortunately not unique, as at least two more Minnesotans have died from insulin rationing since last year’s legislative session. These tragic stories have put a spotlight on the skyrocketing cost of insulin, which has tripled in the last ten years. Studies indicate that 1 in 4 diabetics have resorted to rationing their medication due to the lack of access to affordable insulin.
The Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act will ensure that Minnesota’s diabetics, 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. Eligible Minnesotans include those who are uninsured, under-insured, receiving Medicare, and who 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.
Alec’s Bill is the product of more than a year of work with patients, health care providers and other stakeholders. It has the backing of organizations representing patients, doctors, nurses and pharmacists, including the AARP, Minnesota Nurses Association, Minnesota Medical Association and Minnesota Pharmacists Association. The legislation can be found here. A video recording of the vote can be found here.
New discrimination helpline launched
If you or anyone you know is experiencing discrimination or hate as a result of COVID-19, there is a new helpline you can call to report incidents to to the Minnesota Department of Human Rights. Viruses do not discriminate, and Minnesota will not defeat COVID-19 by resorting to xenophobia and racism. Every Minnesotan can call the Discrimination Helpline at 1-833-454-0148 or complete and submit this online form. The helpline is staffed Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Workers’ compensation for first responders, health care workers
On Tuesday, April 7, the Legislature approved a bill to ensure health care workers and first responders on the front lines fighting this public health crisis are eligible for workers' compensation in the unfortunate event that they contract COVID-19. We know there are other workers who need protections, and we are working to make sure even more people can access the economic security they deserve.
Information about unemployment insurance
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development is experiencing the largest surge in applications for Unemployment Insurance benefits in the program’s entire history. More than 400,000 people have applied for unemployment benefits since March 16. You are strongly encouraged to apply online at www.uimn.org.
Click here for a comprehensive guide about applying for benefits. The same information is available in Hmong, Spanish, and Somali languages. As a result of the federal CARES Act, you may be eligible for an additional $600 per week in benefits.
Information about small business loans
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development created a comprehensive guide for small businesses seeking financial assistance. Click here to get complete information about available loans and other support.
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