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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Michael Howard (DFL)

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Legislative Update - The 2024 Legislative Session

Friday, February 16, 2024
Howard Banner

Dear Neighbors, 

The People's House is back in session!

It is such an honor to represent District 51A in the Minnesota House and I can't wait to continue working in partnership with you all to make our community and state a stronger, more fair, more equitable place.

We’ve already taken such important strides, and we're just getting started!

First Day of Session

Photo taken before the Capitol finally got its late-winter blanket of snow

Prior to us heading back to St. Paul, I joined Senators Wiklund and Boldon last weekend as our community came together to hear gut-wrenching stories about a health care system that puts profits ahead of people. That's why we need a true Public Option - moving us one step closer to a Minnesota where everyone has access to quality, affordable health care they can use when they need it. Thank you to UNIDOS and ISAIAH for organizing a great event!
Public Options
Public Option

The event was a good reminder that even after the transformative work we accomplished last year, there’s still so much more work to be done.

 

Breakthroughs in Affordable Insulin

Though legislative committees are just starting back up, that doesn’t mean we have to wait for sweeping changes that benefit Minnesotans. Earlier this month, Attorney General Keith Ellison announced a landmark settlement with the Eli Lily insulin company that caps insulin at just $35 for the next 5 years. 

Drug companies raised the price of insulin by over 1,100% between 1990 and 2020, and this settlement ensures that Minnesotans can afford their lives and live with dignity, safety, and respect. 

It wasn’t too long ago that Minnesota was leading the nation with the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act, and now, from AG Ellison’s office to the Biden Administration, we’re seeing a concentrated effort to ensure those with diabetes can access this life-saving medication without falling into financial ruin.

AG Ellison Insulin Graphic

The Attorney General’s litigation against the other two defendants, Sanofi–Aventis and Novo Nordisk, continues. You can learn more about the settlement and how to get insulin for just $35 a month here.

 

Minnesota’s Child Tax Credit

Last year, we passed a nation-leading Child Tax Credit, and now nearly 300,000 Minnesota households are eligible for this rebate this tax season! With our Child Tax Credit, families are saving up to $1,750 for each dependent - helping to cut child poverty by one-third in our state.

Child Tax Credit (Gov. Graphic)

You can claim the tax credit by filing a 2023 income tax return. The $1,750 credit is for each child 17 years old and younger, with no limit on the number of children. For all tax filers, this credit begins to phase out at an income level of $35,000 and fully phases out at a maximum of $90,750 for a family with four children.

You can learn more about the tax credit here. 

 

Stay Connected

It’s the best time of the year to reach out with any questions, comments, concerns, or ideas you have regarding our work in the Minnesota House. Always feel free to email me at rep.michael.howard@house.mn.gov or give my office a call at 651-296-7158.

You can also stay up to date by following my official Facebook page, subscribing to these regular email updates if you haven’t already, and checking my legislative webpage for the latest information from my office. 

In partnership, 

 

Michael Howard

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