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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Robert Bierman (DFL)

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Legislative Update- September 3, 2019

Tuesday, September 3, 2019

Dear Neighbors,
 
I hope this finds you well. The cooler temperatures are a telltale sign that back-to-school season has arrived. There are countless Minnesotans, including teachers, parents, support staff, administrators and others who are set to hit the ground running - helping our young people learn skills, gain valuable life experiences, and reach academic success.
 
Despite some challenges under one of the nation’s only divided state legislatures, the Minnesota Legislature made solid investments in our schools and students. Our public schools across the state will see a 2 percent funding increase each of the next two years –for districts like ISD #196, we’re still playing catch-up after years of underfunding, as we prepare for a local levy referendum. We are not the only community facing a levy for more local school funding.
 
There’s still more to do to ensure our kids of all ages and abilities receive the best education and outstanding services without relying solely on local property taxes. I’ll continue to fight for our ISD #196 students, teachers, and parents as we look ahead to the 2020 legislative session.

Working to Prevent Gun Violence

Earlier this month, I joined Protect Minnesota and Moms Demand Action – two leading organizations working to make our communities safer – for a rally on the steps of the Minnesota State Capitol, where Minnesotans gathered to stand up against hate, and call for changes to end mass shootings and other senseless gun violence.
 
Minnesotans deserve to be safe at school, work, places of worship, and any other public space. The DFL-led House of Representatives passed legislation to help reduce gun violence and create safer communities during the regular session. I’ll continue to work on these important lifesaving measures when the Legislatures convenes in February. In the meantime, I encourage you to contact the Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka and let him know we can’t wait any longer for common-sense, pro-public safety, gun violence prevention laws.

Insulin

I’ve been working with legislators from both sides of the aisle in the House and Senate after the 2019 session adjourned to discuss solutions for affordable access to insulin. Although some consensus was reached recently on the framework of an insulin assistance program, Republicans insisted that it be funded by taxpayers, rather than an imposed fee on drug manufacturers who have helped create this problem.
 
Minnesotans shared their concerns and input for improving access to insulin and addressing the skyrocketing cost of prescription drugs at our first roundtable discussion a couple weeks ago. Lawmakers, advocates, and families living with diabetes discussed the next steps to solve this crisis facing far too many Minnesotans. You can find my remarks from our discussion here.
 
Later this fall, the House DFL will hold additional Community Conversations around the state to give more Minnesotans an opportunity to participate in the dialogue over insulin prices and access.

Property Tax Refund

Have you filed for your 2018 property or renters tax refund? If you made the August 15 deadline and are wondering the status of your refund, feel free to give me a call at 651-296-5506 or send an email to rep.robert.bierman@house.mn. I’d be happy to look into it for you.
 

Save the Date!

Our next Community Coffee Hour will take place on Saturday, September 21 at 9:00 a.m. We’ll meet at the usual spot, Dunn Bros, on Galaxie in Apple Valley. Here are the details:
 
  • Saturday, September 21 at 9:00-10:30 a.m. at the Dunn Brothers Coffee in Apple Valley, 15265 Galaxie Ave, Apple Valley, MN 55124
I hope to see you there! If you can’t make it, please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions, ideas, and input.
 
I appreciate hearing from you.
 
Sincerely,
Robert Bierman
State Representative