Dear neighbors,
We had another busy week with more late nights at the State Capitol as we continued to debate and vote on policy packages to improve the lives of hard-working families.
We passed a number of policy packages off the House floor this week, including bills relating to Environment and Natural Resources, Commerce, Human Services, and Climate and Energy. Notably, the Commerce policy bill contained provisions of my bill, the Minnesota Debt Fairness Act. I’m grateful to Committee Chair Zach Stephenson for including it. We've heard so many stories about people's difficulty managing their debt and the harm that comes with it. This bill will help unburden working and middle class families from medical debt and help them afford their lives.
Other provisions included strong consumer protections, safeguards for children on social media, phasing out the sub-minimum wage for people with disabilities, and guaranteeing coverage for gender-affirming care. I’m looking forward to passing more bills that build on our historically productive 2023 legislative session and help Minnesotans live with dignity!
Advocates at the Capitol
This week, I was able to sit down with advocates from the CitizenBlue group of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota. They were at the Capitol to advocate on behalf of the health care workers who are on the frontlines of helping Minnesotans navigate our health care system. Thank you for taking the time to make the trip up to Saint Paul!
Expanding Insurance to Cover Prosthetics & Wigs
DFLers are laser focused on making sure all Minnesotans can work, go to school, run errands and afford their lives with dignity. Two bills that are advancing would require insurance companies to cover the costs of wigs for people undergoing cancer treatment, and the costs for prosthetics for those who need them. As families work through a new transition in their lives or navigate a new diagnosis or health challenge, the last thing they should have to worry about is their financial security. These are common sense proposals I support, and will advocate for as we continue to pass legislation that puts Minnesotans first.
Free Park Day!
On Saturday, April 27, all Minnesota state parks and state recreation areas will be offering free admission to everyone– no vehicle permits needed! In Minnesota, we are lucky to have amazing state parks all across the state, and these fee-free days are a great opportunity to experience them! You can find out more information about the fee-free days here.
Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans Vacancies
One more reminder that the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans (CAPM) has a number of vacancies they’re looking to fill and are searching for prospective appointees. The positions available include:
- Asian Indian Ancestry Group Representative
- Hmong Ancestry Group Representative
- Member #4
- Vietnamese Ancestry Group Representative
If you think you or someone you know would be a good fit for any of these positions, please don’t hesitate to apply! Interested folks should follow this link, select the seat they are interested in, create a profile, and provide an up-to-date resume.
Additionally, there are plenty of other opportunities to contribute your expertise to state government by serving on a state board or commission. You can take a look at all the opportunities here.
Thank you again for your help in filling these vacancies!
Question of the Week
Listening to my constituents is the most important part of my job as your state representative! Each week during this legislative session, I’ll pose a question to you to better inform my work.
This week’s question is:
How can we make our state park system even better for Minnesotans?
You can send your answers in an email to rep.liz.reyer@house.mn.gov with the subject line “Question of the Week.” I’m looking forward to reading your responses and learning from your experiences. Thank you to all of you who have responded in past weeks!
Stay in Touch
As always, please feel free to contact me if you have any other 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