Legislative Update - The House GOP’s Power Grab

Dear Neighbors, 

Last Friday, the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that House Republicans violated the state constitution in their attempt to seize control of the Minnesota House. This is a clear rebuke of their anti-democratic abuse of power, providing an opportunity for a session reset so that we can govern together. Unfortunately, it appears House Republicans are not yet ready to give up their assault on our democracy and Minnesota voters.

Republicans continue to threaten to throw out an election they lost and disenfranchise 22,000 Minnesotans who voted in Shakopee in November. This is outrageous. Voters should decide who wins elections - not politicians.

We are focused on working directly with constituents at home and are ready to bring that important work back to the Capitol, but first, Republicans must stop trying to overturn an election they lost, agree to seat Rep. Brad Tabke, and agree to shared power if the House returns to a 67-67 tie.

Fighting for Affordable Insulin

This week, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced a settlement with Novo Nordisk, securing insulin products for $35 per month for the next five years from the manufacturer - regardless of whether the Minnesotan has issuance.

Amidst a barrage of troubling headlines, this is great news, and builds on our work like the new law capping co-pays on insulin and the cost of supplies, as well the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act and Minnesota’s Insulin Safety Net Program.

I want to thank Nicole Smith-Holt and the fierce insulin advocates in Minnesota that fought Big Pharma and won. I also want to thank Attorney General Ellison for being a champion for Minnesotans and delivering this meaningful victory. 

Every Minnesotan should be able to afford the medications they need to survive and thrive. Victories like this give us momentum for the necessary work ahead to make sure that all Minnesotans can afford their lives.

Trump’s Attack on Vital Programs

Make no mistake, the confusion around whether or not President Trump can or will halt federal funding to important programs is by design. We are working closely with the Walz Administration and the Attorney General’s Office to assess the potential impact of President Trump’s proposed freeze of essential aid to Americans.

We do know that the impact could be far reaching and cause disruptions to vital programs like:  

• Head Start
• Medicaid/services for our disability community
• Meals on Wheels for our seniors
• Heating assistance for families in the winter
• Cancer trials and research
• Service funding for homelessness providers and domestic violence shelters
• Thousands of other programs totaling billions of dollars here in Minnesota alone

I am angry, especially for all the Minnesotans who are wrestling with the uncertainty of what this directive could mean for them and loved ones. Know this – we will fight this unconstitutional power grab with every tool at our disposal. Governor Walz and Attorney General Ellison are suing Trump in court and state legislators are working closely with our Congressional delegation and the administration on an action plan.

As we learn more, I will be directly communicating more details, through social channels, in my e-mail updates, and directly with constituents. If you have direct questions, please send them to me at rep.michael.howard@house.mn.gov and we can track them and share your concerns with the Administration.  

We will not let this egregious and cruel attack on Minnesotans stand.

In partnership,

Michael Howard