Legislative Update- March 13, 2024

Dear Neighbors,

I hope you’re having a great week! We’re working hard at the Capitol to continue growing communities, helping families achieve economic security, and creating opportunities for all Minnesotans to thrive. 

Here’s an update on some of the work we’ve been advancing in addition to some resources you may find helpful.

Economic Security for Families & Small Businesses

Combatting Price Gouging

Early this week, the Minnesota House passed bipartisan legislation to combat price gouging, specifically for services utilized by a community after damaging storms.

Minnesota’s most costly disaster year to date, 2022, had over $6 billion in damage. There was also over $3 billion of damage in 2017 and 2023 as more extreme weather events happen more often.The increased frequency of damaging weather events provides more opportunities for bad actors to drastically price gouge when cleaning up after a weather event, and DFLers are taking action to combat this immoral and costly practice.

Federal Assistance for Small Businesses Affected by Warm Winter

Our “winter” this year has been unseasonably warm. While many of us have enjoyed foregoing winter jackets this year, the low precipitation we’ve experienced this winter has had a real economic impact on small businesses that rely on snow and winter tourism. Federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans are available due to the ongoing federal drought declarations affecting 81 Minnesota counties. Small business owners should apply here for assistance as soon as possible.

Should Minnesota have a state agency dedicated to Emergency Medical Services?

Minnesotans expect and deserve quick response times when they call 911. But the current  structure we have in place, the Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board (EMSRB), is lacking in many areas impacting the delivery of care. This is not anecdotal. A 2022 audit of the current system in place shows insufficient oversight, outdated service areas, persistent sustainability challenges, and ineffective leadership of the EMSRB.

That’s why I’m carrying legislation to create a new office of emergency medical services as a state agency in Minnesota. The bill advanced out of the Health Finance and Policy Committee on Tuesday.

I believe Minnesotans deserve a centralized office and state agency dedicated to tackling these problems so everyone can get the emergency medical care they're relying on in a time of crisis. I’d love to know your thoughts. Please send me an email or give me a call with your input.

Connected to Community

It was great to see one our awesome teachers from Eastview within ISD #196, Mr. Wollersheim, at the Capitol recently, rallying for fair and reliable pensions. Thank you for all you do for our students and community!

Keep in Touch

Please continue contacting me anytime at rep.john.huot@house.mn.gov or 651-296-4306.

It’s an honor to serve our Rosemount, Apple Valley, and Eagan neighbors in St. Paul.

Thank you.

Take care,

John