UpdatesIn 2019, Minnesota sued e-cigarette companies JUUL and Altria for unlawfully targeting young people with vaping products to get a new generation addicted to nicotine. Attorney General Keith Ellison reached a settlement that awarded Minnesota $60.5 million. I am proud to author the bill to ensure settlement funds are dedicated to tobacco prevention & treatment.  I’m happy to announce that teachers' pension reform was included in the Tax Bill. It’s not perfect, but it’s a starting point. The work continues. Thank you to Education Minnesota and all the teachers for your tireless advocacy.  We did it! Thank you to Moms Demand Action and the many gun violence prevention advocates. We have passed red flag laws and universal background checks in our public safety budget. Next year we will carry out the work to include safe storage and reporting lost and stolen firearms.  Lastly, I voted to legalize cannabis. Many people need this option for a variety of reasons. I support their right to alternatives. For veterans, this can be a life-saving alternative that federal Veterans Affairs hospitals cannot prescribe. Further, we know that Black Minnesotans have been disproportionately targeted and criminalized compared to their white neighbors, who consume cannabis at the same rates. I’m proud to pass this bill and ensure we have a safe, regulated adult-use market in Minnesota.  |