Dear Neighbors,
I want to begin by acknowledging the tragic shooting in Burnsville over the weekend. My heart aches for Officer Paul Elmstrand, Officer Matthew Ruge, and Adam Finseth, a firefighter and paramedic, and I send my deepest condolences to their families and loved ones. Their loss will be greatly felt.
You can read the Burnsville legislative delegation’s full statement here.
The House convened last Monday, February 12th to begin our business for the year. After last year’s historic session, I’m excited to build on the work we did and get things done for middle and working class Minnesotans.
New Laws
After a historic session in 2023, many new laws went into effect on July 1st and August 1st, 2023, and January 1st 2024. The nonpartisan office of House Public Information has a summary of the new laws here:
Queer Caucus Press Conference
On Thursday, the Queer Legislators Caucus held a press conference to announce our legislative agenda for the year. I’m proud to be a part of this historic caucus, and even prouder of the work we were able to accomplish last year– including making Minnesota a Trans Refuge Safe Haven. This year, we have the opportunity to build on our work from 2023, and I’m excited to move forward with policies that focus on including everybody.
Our agenda focuses on protecting and empowering the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, ensuring equitable access to life-saving healthcare, and promoting laws that reflect the diverse realities of Minnesota families.
Healthcare Access Reform
In December, I had the opportunity to participate in the Minnesota State of Reform Health Policy Conference. I joined health industry leaders to discuss priorities for this session, such as racial and Tribal health disparities, youth behavioral health, the underfunding of health education, and medical debt– which is the leading cause of bankruptcy in our country. I recently joined Governor Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and impacted Minnesotans to discuss our work to get unconscionable practices under control. I also spoke with the Star Tribune’s editorial board about this critical issue.
This session, I will be looking critically at the issue of medical debt, as well as these other issues. Health care is a human right and you should be able to get the care you need without being bankrupted. This year, I will be carrying HF 3663, which will prevent medical debt from being transferred to surviving family members, and prevent health care providers from denying coverage to those with outstanding medical bills.
Murdered & Missing Indigenous Relatives Day of Remembrance
On Wednesday we honored Murdered and Missing Indigenous Relatives Day of Remembrance. Our colleagues in the Native American Legislative Caucus took a moment to reflect on this day, its importance, and held a moment of silence. You can watch their remarks here:
For more information, I encourage you to check out the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Office, a first-in-the-nation office we established in 2021.
Now available: MMIR specialty license plates. Fees paid by drivers who obtain a plate will be put into the Gaagige-Mikwendaagoziwag reward fund. To order license plates online or find an office to purchase them in-person, visit drive.mn.gov?.
Insulin Prices Capped
Democrats are dedicated to reducing the cost of health care and protecting against price-gouging. Earlier this month, 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.
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/.
Child Tax Credit
In 2023, Democrats enacted a nation-leading Child Tax Credit projected to reduce childhood poverty by one third. Families will save up to $1,750 for each dependent, with no limit on the number of children. Nearly 300,000 families are eligible for the new credit, but in order to receive it, you must file a 2023 income tax return. Learn more here from the Minnesota Department of Revenue.
Electric Vehicle Rebates
Last session lawmakers passed an Electric Vehicle Rebate Program allowing residents to receive a rebate of up to $2,500 for a new EV purchase and $600 for a used purchase. Electric cars, plug-ins or hybrids purchased or leased on or after May 25, 2023, are eligible. Applications are now live, and you can find more information at https://mn.gov/evrebates.
Climate change is arguably the greatest challenge that faces us, and this program will help push us towards a cleaner, greener future.
Lawns to Legumes Program
Minnesota residents can now apply for fall 2024 Lawns to Legumes funding. The Lawns to Legumes program aims to increase habitat for at-risk pollinators in residential settings across the state by providing people with cost-share funding, workshops, coaching and gardening resources.
Anyone can apply to be reimbursed for up to $400 in costs associated with establishing new pollinator habitat in their yards. Applications will be accepted through May 15, 2024. If you previously applied for the program, you will need to reapply to be considered for fall 2024 funding. Find more information here.
Stay in Touch
If you have any questions or feedback you’d like to share, you can contact me by email at rep.liz.reyer@house.mn.gov or call (651) 296-4128. Please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Sincerely,
Liz Reyer
State Representative