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Neighbors,
Our community has experienced many challenges recently, but we are strong and resilient. As we head into the July 4th weekend, I wish you and your family a fun, relaxing holiday. I hope you have an opportunity to experience many of our beautiful parks, lakes and outdoor spaces and enjoy Minneapolis!
The City Council wants your input on Minneapolis Public Safety Transformation
Your input is important! The Minneapolis City Council is proposing a change to the City Charter, creating a new community Safety & Violence Prevention Department. You can offer your feedback and learn more here.
New laws take effect July 1, 2020
Several new laws will take effect July 1, 2020. You can read more about the news laws here: http://www.house.mn/hinfo/leginfo/0720nlrelease.pdf?v=062520. Summaries by non-partisan House Public Information Services can be viewed here: http://www.house.mn/newlaws/#/search/2020.
One of the more notable laws is the landmark Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act that lawmakers approved this year to help ensure people with diabetes can access the insulin they needed in an emergency and to create a long-term path to access affordable insulin. The bill is named after Alec Smith, a 26-year old who died when he was forced to ration his insulin because he couldn’t afford to refill his prescription.
Also taking effect is the Prescription Drug Price Transparency Act, requiring drug makers to report the reasons for price increases and providing other detailed information about the cost of manufacturing, marketing, and distributing drugs. It will also require price transparency for existing drugs, new drugs, and newly acquired drugs. This is a major step forward in our ongoing efforts to ensure all Minnesotans can access the medications they need.
Racism declared a public health crisis
Tuesday, the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution declaring racism a public health crisis. The news release reads, “Due to racism, Black, Indigenous and people of color in Hennepin County statistically have poorer educational outcomes, earn less, and are less likely to own homes or have access to quality health care and jobs than White people. These disparities have lifelong impacts, including higher disease rates, and, as we’re seeing now, higher rates of COVID-19.”
COVID-19 testing milestone reached
Governor Walz announced this week Minnesota has reached a milestone of 20,000 daily COVID-19 test capacity, and nearly 600,000 tests have been completed. You can read more about the latest news here.
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You can contact me at rep.sydney.jordan@house.mn or (651) 296-4219. Be sure to “like” my official state representative Facebook page!
Thank you for the privilege of serving District 60A in the legislature.
Sincerely,
Sydney Jordan
State Representative
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