Dear Neighbors,
Another busy week is ahead of us. On Monday, House Speaker Hortman, Senate Majority Leader Gazelka and Governor Walz announced joint deadlines as a pledge to completing work on time for Minnesotans. Our community members in Plymouth expect and deserve an effective state government to work together to strengthen our schools, public infrastructure, economy and community overall. You can read more about the deadlines for an orderly end of session here.
Legislation for Plymouth
I’ve introduced legislation that would authorize a local lodging tax for the City of Plymouth. Any revenue from the tax must be dedicated to and used only for public infrastructure improvement projects within Plymouth. This measure will benefit our public facilities including our Plymouth Ice Center and our Plymouth Creek Center.
Prescription Drug Prices & Opioids
Too many Minnesotans cannot afford the rising cost of health care – and that includes the cost prescription medications.
I’ve co-sponsored legislation that would require the Department of Human Services (DHS) to create a list of essential generic or off-patent prescription drugs with wholesale acquisition costs exceeding $80. This would include drugs covered by Medical Assistance, included in the Minnesota Medicare prescription drug plan, or determined to be essential by the department.
If any of these drugs’ costs were to increase more than 15 percent within a single year, that would be reported to the Attorney General by the Board of Pharmacy, DHS, or health plan companies. Minnesota Attorney General Ellison would then work with the drug manufacturer or distributor to explain the price increase, and take litigation action if necessary.
I’ve also co-sponsored a bill to help combat the opioid epidemic. This legislation would create an Opioid Stewardship Council to finance prevention, treatment, and other costs. Opioid manufacturers and distributors would pay a larger licensing fee to contribute to these costs for the council. The bill had its third committee hearing today and I’m encouraged by its progress.
Increase Teachers of Color Act
Our state is more diverse than ever, and Minnesotans expect their children to have culturally reflective role models. While more than 33% of Minnesota students are people of color, only 4.3% of Minnesota teachers are people of color. The Increase Teachers of Color Act aims to get more teachers of color in the classroom and can help us make progress toward closing the opportunity gap. Minnesota Public Radio covered the press conference on the bipartisan legislation.
Community & Capitol Conversations
I had a productive and fun Saturday meeting with neighbors at the Plymouth Public Library. We discussed climate, redistricting, and care for our most vulnerable. Thanks for the important discussions!
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Yesterday, we welcomed students from the University of Minnesota College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences. They are studying environmental policy and agricultural economics and I was grateful to learn about their work after our Agriculture and Food Finance Committee hearing.
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Please stay in touch with your feedback, input and questions. You can reach me at the Capitol at 651-296-5511 or by email at rep.ginny.klevorn@house.mn. I appreciate hearing from you!
Sincerely,
Ginny Klevorn
State Representative |
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