Update from Rep. Tabke: Week 1 of the Legislative Session

Your Friday Update from the Office of Representative Brad Tabke: 

The legislative session is in full swing! Top priorities for the House this session will be to pass a regionally-balanced infrastructure package, ensure all Minnesotans who need insulin have access to it, and provide all Minnesota children with a great start by investing in early learning and child care. 

This session, Rep. Tabke plans to advocate for infrastructure investments for Shakopee, work to ensure public transit is safe and welcoming for all Minnesotans, and advance several other pieces of legislation that will benefit the Shakopee community. His House legislative website is a great place to track bills he's authoring and supporting. 

Legislators took a moment of silence to honor the National Guard service members who passed away in a Dec. 6 helicopter crash, and to remember their colleague Rep. Diane Loeffler, who passed away in November after 15 years of service in the legislature

Access to Insulin

Rep. Tabke was proud to support the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act at a packed Commerce Committee hearing this week where Minnesotans shared painful stories about the challenges they face affording the insulin they need to survive. The legislation would ask pharmaceutical companies to pay for an emergency supply of insulin so that Minnesotans in need don't lose their lives. You can watch video of the hearing here. 

Transportation Access and Safety

Rep. Tabke, along with business and community partners, presented his bill to create a Transit Ambassador Program to increase safety, connect riders with services, and ensure public transit is safe and welcoming for any Minnesotan who chooses to use it. The Transportation Committee will continue discussing the bill next week. 

Metropolitan Council Chair Charlie Zelle described how Rep. Tabke's bill complements the work they are doing to ensure transit safety

Other News

• On this week's episode of the Shakopee Podcast, Rep. Tabke sits down with Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman to preview the 2020 legislative session.
• The Shakopee Valley News had a great story about Grace Myler, a Shakopee resident who won national recognition for her work on "Threads for Teens," which provides hundreds of young women in need with clothing.
• Rep. Tabke appreciated the opportunity to hear from the local business community at the annual Shakopee Chamber of Commerce Meeting!

• Thank you to those of you who joined Rep. Tabke's town hall previewing the legislative session last Friday, and for sharing your insights, suggestions, and questions! For those who were not able to attend, Rep. Tabke can be reached at rep.brad.tabke@house.mn or 651-296-8872. 

Happy Valentine’s Day to all who are celebrating, and have a great weekend!

Brad Tabke, State Representative|Rep.Brad.Tabke@house.mn

Eric Petersen, Legislative Assistant|Eric.Petersen@house.mn