Legislative Update: Protecting Reproductive Rights

Dear Neighbors, 

Last year, Minnesota voters told us in clear terms that politicians should not interfere with Minnesotans’ ability to get the health care they need. Grateful for the wisdom of the people, the Minnesota House listened and passed HF 1, the Protect Reproductive Options (PRO) Act last night, enshrining reproductive freedom in state law.

I voted YES because I trust women to make their own health care decisions. I voted YES because with reproductive rights under threat nationally, we must be crystal clear that Minnesota is a state where abortion rights are protected.

When the US Supreme Court overturned half a century of legal precedent last year with the overturning of Roe v. Wade, Minnesota became an island of reproductive rights, and a target for anti-choice politicians. Our actions last night bring us one step closer to ensuring Minnesota's own State Supreme Court decision, Doe v. Gomez, is codified into law, safeguarding the right to an abortion while expanding protections for other forms of reproductive health, including the right to choose or refrain from using birth control, and to get a vasectomy or choose sterilization.

This is just the first of many proposals we’re working on to protect reproductive rights in Minnesota. The Senate is expected to take up the PRO Act next week, and Governor Walz has signaled his intent to sign it into law - I’ll be sure to keep you updated.

Capping Co-Pays on Chronic Medication

I’m partnering with Senator Erin Murphy from St. Paul and several of my House colleagues to re-introduce our updated bill to cap co-pays at $25 for prescription drugs and medical supplies that treat chronic conditions like diabetes and asthma. Like several bills we’ve worked on over the years, the 1-vote DFL majority in the Senate has breathed new life into this idea.

Minnesotans with chronic conditions have always faced the high stress of affording their life-saving medication, and that has only been magnified since the pandemic. Our bill recognizes that all actors in our health care system have a role to play in making prescription drugs affordable and is a reasonable step that puts patients first.

In building upon our work on the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act, this bill would cap insulin, asthma inhalers, and EpiPens at $25 a month. The listed price of these medications have soared over the past decade, putting incredible stress on Minnesotans managing their health. I’m honored that we have the support of the Minnesota Insulin 4 All chapter, as well as the American Diabetes Association on this important bill. 

This is the year we can get this bill over the finish line. 

Stay Connected This Session

During the height of the pandemic, when the legislature went remote, constituent meetings were one of many things relegated to virtual interactions. I’m extremely grateful that in-person meetings have returned, and I couldn’t be happier to meet with my cousin Linda and her colleagues at the Minnesota Chapter of the Federation of the Blind. I learned about their legislative agenda, including accessible voting reforms and better access to transit.

I want to hear from you too! If you’re stopping by the Capitol to advocate for the issues you care about, make sure to touch base with my office so we can find time to chat!

In partnership, 

Michael Howard