Legislative Update- 2020 Session Begins

Dear Neighbors,

I hope this finds you well (and warm!). Legislators returned to St. Paul on Tuesday to kick off the 2020 session. We didn’t waste any time - the House got to work immediately holding committee hearings to give Minnesotans the opportunity to weigh in on various proposals we’re advocating for to improve their lives. The House’s Minnesota Values Plan will guide our work and I’m excited to deliver results for Plymouth.

A Great Start for All Minnesota Children

Today my colleagues and I unveiled one of our core priorities, the Great Start for All Minnesota Children Act, a new plan to close the opportunity gap and invest in early care and learning. As one of the states with the highest daycare costs in the country, it’s imperative to find ways to 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.

Insulin Update

The Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act cleared its first hurdle in the House Commerce Committee on the first day of session. Differences remain between the House and Senate proposals, but I’m optimistic we can find common ground to deliver solutions that ensure Minnesotans can access an emergency supply of insulin when they can’t afford it. I’ll continue advocating for the House version of the plan, which asks insulin manufacturers to financially contribute to the solution for the crisis they are profiting from. It’s the fiscally and morally responsible approach of the two proposals. The nonpartisan office of House Public Information covered the committee hearing and you can read more about it here.

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

Redistricting

Yesterday I hosted a productive meeting in Plymouth with my colleagues Representatives Schultz and Dehn on redistricting and how we navigate the process of redrawing lines in a way that’s equitable and nonpartisan. Last year, I authored legislation to establish a Redistricting Commission, made up of 12 members of the public, which would recommend legislative and congressional redistricting plans for approval by the legislature following each census. I’ll continue to work on the bill, and on people-focused and people-driven redistricting reforms, putting all of us ahead of party, incumbency, and special interests.

Town Hall Meeting

I hope you can join me at my town hall meeting to share your input on Saturday, February 22^nd at Plymouth City Hall. Everyone is invited to attend and bring questions and ideas.

Here are the details:

Saturday, February 22nd at 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Plymouth City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Blvd, Plymouth, MN 55447

Keep in Touch

Your input is always valued. Never hesitate to reach out with feedback, ideas, or questions. You can contact me at 651-296-5511 or at rep.ginny.klevorn@house.mn. For additional updates, follow me on my official Facebook page.

It’s an honor to represent you and our Plymouth community at the Capitol!

Sincerely,

Ginny Klevorn

State Representative