Legislative Update- February 21, 2024

Dear Neighbors,

I want to extend my deepest sympathies to the families, loved ones, and colleagues of the Burnsville public safety heroes who lost their lives on Sunday. This tragedy is another reminder of the difficult and dangerous work of our first responders. Our Rosemount, Apple Valley, and Eagan communities stand with Burnsville and lend our full support to the community while they deal with this horrific event and begin the healing process. On Monday, legislators representing the Burnsville area delivered remarks and asked for a moment of silence, which you can watch here. 

Our work at the Minnesota House of Representatives continues. Here’s an update and some resources you may find helpful:

Child Tax Credit

Last year, the legislature passed into law a historic, new child tax credit that's anticipated to impact 300,000 Minnesota households and reduce child poverty by 1/3. It applies to incomes of up to $90,750 for a family with four kids. This is not automatically applied to your taxes; you can claim it by filing a 2023 income tax return. More info at https://www.revenue.state.mn.us/child-tax-credit.

Legislation Update

This week, two of my bills to protect student athletes, extracurricular participants, referees, and officials received a hearing in the State and Local Government Finance and Policy Committee. The first bill would fine unruly fans $1,000 for disrupting the event and the second would increase the penalty to a gross misdemeanor for assaulting a youth sports official. Both have paths forward and we’re currently fine tuning the details. 

Bottom line: Nobody wants to sit by THAT fan at a game or activity. This is about the student’s experience and giving them a chance to be a part of a team, grow skills, and thrive on the court, field, or stage -- not setting a bad example of poor behavior. You can watch my recent interview with Fox 9 by clicking the photo below.

PACT Act and Expanded VA Benefits for Veterans 

The PACT Act is a new law expanding VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. This law helps the VA provide generations of Veterans and their survivors with the care and benefits they have earned and deserve. You can learn more about the PACT Act and how to file a claim by clicking here.

Insulin Prices Capped from Recent Settlement 

Earlier this month, Minnesota 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. You may recall we passed this legislation in 2020 but was in limbo due to a lawsuit Big Pharma brought forward.

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.

You can learn more about the settlement and how to get insulin for just $35 a month here: https://www.ag.state.mn.us/MNinsulin35/.

Keep in Touch

Please continue to contact me anytime at rep.john.huot@house.mn.gov or 651-296-4306 with questions, input, or ideas. I’m always happy to help provide assistance when I can! 

You’re also welcome to follow me on my Facebook page for more updates from the Capitol and community.

Thank you for the honor of serving our Rosemount, Apple Valley, and Eagan neighbors in St. Paul.

Take care,

John