Category: SD36

Rep. Stephenson & Lawmakers get Tough on Predatory ‘Robo-Calls’

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – Today, State Representative Zack Stephenson (DFL- Coon Rapids) announced plans to roll out legislation to crack down on invasive and predatory ‘robo-calls’. House Commerce Chair Laurie Halverson (DFL- Eagan) and Majority Leader Ryan Winkler (DFL-Golden Valley) joined Rep. Stephenson and are committed to advancing his efforts to strengthen consumer protection rights for Minnesotans.

“The explosion of fraudulent robo-calls demands a strong response, which is why I am today proposing the nation’s toughest anti-robo-call legislation,” Rep. Stephenson remarked.

According to the Minnesota Department of Commerce, Minnesotans have received over 387 million robo-calls so far in 2019, which is approximately 58 calls per impacted person. The pernicious nature of these robo-calls is dubbed as “spoofing” technology, which allows telephone calls originating from across the world to show up on a caller ID with a local area code. Eagan Police Chief Roger New reported last month that he expected telephone fraud to result in over $500,000 in losses just in his city. Continue reading “Rep. Stephenson & Lawmakers get Tough on Predatory ‘Robo-Calls’”

Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: October 8, 2019

Dear Neighbors,

Last month, students around the world kicked off climate week with the Youth Climate Strike, demanding action on climate change. Leaders from all over the world gathered at the UN in New York to discuss countries’ climate action plans. Climate change is one of the most significant threats to Minnesota’s crops, wildlife, and lakes.

As the leader of the Minnesota House of Representatives, I hear and agree with those calling for action. Minnesota is a national leader on clean energy, but we can and should do more. For that reason, I asked Rep. Patty Acomb to lead a Climate Action Caucus in the Minnesota House. Over the next several weeks, we will work with youth and other Minnesotans to develop our Climate Action Plan for Minnesota. Then we will work to pass that plan during the 2020 Session. Stay tuned for the launch of our Climate Action website and the opportunity for Minnesotans to sign-on as citizen co-authors on our climate action bills.

We don’t need any more studies or task forces before we get going. The time to act is now. Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: October 8, 2019”

Statement from House DFL Leadership on health insurance rate release

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and Majority Leader Ryan Winkler released the following statements on today’s approved 2020 rates for Minnesota’s individual and small group health insurance plans.

“All Minnesotans deserve access to affordable, high-quality health care,” said House Speaker Melissa Hortman. “While there are short-term positives in today’s news, this doesn’t help Minnesotans struggling with high deductibles and high out-of-pocket costs for necessities like prescription drugs. House DFLers are committed to making affordable health care a reality for everyone.”

“The Republicans’ only plan for health care — writing a blank check to insurance companies — isn’t sustainable,” said Majority Leader Winkler. “Last session, House DFLers passed measures to expand access, reduce health care costs, and reduce prescription drug prices while holding Big Pharma accountable. These policies are how we ensure Minnesotans have access to the high quality health care they need.”

House HHS Finance Committee addresses soaring cost of insulin, prescription drugs at public hearing

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – Today, the Minnesota House Health and Human Services Finance Division held a public hearing to discuss the Alec Smith Emergency Insulin Act and other solutions to address the skyrocketing cost of insulin and other prescription drugs. The price of insulin has tripled in the last decade, and studies indicate that 1 in 4 diabetics have resorted to rationing their insulin due to the high cost.

“Minnesotans need and deserve emergency access to insulin,” said House Speaker Melissa Hortman. “The House DFL passed the Alec Smith Emergency Insulin Act during the regular session, and we remain convinced that this is the best way to provide Minnesotans with emergency access — at their pharmacies, and paid for by the pharmaceutical industry, not taxpayers. We will continue to work with Senate Republicans and the Governor to find a compromise that serves the needs of Minnesotans.”

The public hearing, chaired by Rep. Tina Liebling (DFL – Rochester) followed five community conversations about the topic where lawmakers brought Minnesotans to the table to hear their experiences, input, and ideas. Continue reading “House HHS Finance Committee addresses soaring cost of insulin, prescription drugs at public hearing”

Statement from Speaker Hortman on Clean Car

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — House Speaker Melissa Hortman released the following statement on today’s announcement from Governor Walz that the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will be implementing clean car standards:

“I applaud Governor Walz for taking this important step. Climate change threatens the health of Minnesota’s crops, wildlife, lakes — and our people. Transportation accounts for a large portion of carbon pollution — and while we have significantly reduced carbon pollution from electricity by moving to renewable energy like wind and solar — it is time to reduce the carbon pollution coming from cars. As a result of the Walz Administration decision today, Minnesota consumers will have access to a wider selection of efficient vehicles – which will save them money.”

Speaker Hortman: House DFLers will have insulin bill ready by end of September

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — House DFLers are holding four Community Conversations outside of the Capitol in September to listen to Minnesotans impacted by the high cost of insulin. On Thursday, September 26th at 1 p.m., the Health and Human Services Finance Division will hold a formal public hearing in Room 200 of the State Office Building to share ideas from the Community Conversations and discuss the Alec Smith Emergency Insulin Act.

House Speaker Melissa Hortman released the following statement:

“We are spending the month of September listening to Minnesotans about their experiences trying to obtain affordable insulin. During the 2019 session we passed legislation in the Minnesota House to provide emergency insulin to Minnesotans who need it. At the hearing on September 26th, we will discuss our proposed legislation to address this public health emergency.

“Minnesotans shouldn’t lose their lives because they can’t afford the lifesaving medications they need, like insulin. House DFLers are ready to get this done. It shouldn’t have to wait until next year.”

A handout listing the Community Conversations and HHS Finance Committee hearing is available here:

Schedule of September events

Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: September 4, 2019

Dear Neighbors,

With the State Fair and Labor Day behind us, the summer is drawing to a close. That also means that school has started. Best wishes for a successful school year to all the students, parents, teachers, and staff at Anoka-Hennepin and Osseo School Districts!

This week’s e-update takes a closer look at this year’s new state Health and Human Services budget.

Survey on Adult-Use Cannabis
It’s clear that Minnesotans would like us to have a public conversation on cannabis, but it remains to be seen which policies Minnesotans would like the Legislature to change. I’m asking for your input. Please take a moment to fill out this short survey.House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler recently authored an op-ed in the Star Tribune on this issue and announced that the House will be holding community conversations throughout the state to discuss this issue in depth. You can find more details here. Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: September 4, 2019”

Statement from Speaker Hortman on Title X gag rule, Planned Parenthood exiting program

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — Today, Planned Parenthood announced that it has been forced to exit the Title X family planning program due to a gag rule implemented by the Trump Administration. The gag rule prohibits health care providers receiving Title X funding from sharing information about abortion services with their patients.

Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman released the following statement:

“This unethical gag rule will limit women’s access to health care, and Minnesotans should be able to access the health care they need without political interference. Reproductive health care is basic health care, yet in 2019, it is under constant attack. DFLers in the Legislature will continue working to make sure all Minnesotans can get the full range of reproductive health care they need.”

 

Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: August 9, 2019

Dear Deb,

It was great to see so many of you at National Night Out/Night to Unite this week! Special thanks to the Coon Rapids Fire Department for letting me tag along with them!

Read on for updates on gun violence prevention, insulin affordability, and a closer look at this year’s agriculture budget. Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: August 9, 2019”

House DFL Leadership Statement on Gun Violence Prevention Legislation

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – House DFL Leadership released the following statements today in response to Governor Tim Walz calling on Senate Republicans to hold hearings on two common-sense gun violence prevention measures that the DFL House Majority passed but were blocked by the Republican-led Senate.

“The DFL Majority in the Minnesota House passed two broadly-supported, common-sense gun safety measures to make our families and communities safer — criminal background checks and red flag legislation,” said House Speaker Melissa Hortman. “Minnesotans have been loud and clear that they want the legislature to take action to address senseless gun violence. The House has responded to this call to action. Senate Republicans should listen to Minnesotans and join the DFL-led House in supporting and passing these measures so we can send them to Governor Walz’s desk.” Continue reading “House DFL Leadership Statement on Gun Violence Prevention Legislation”