Dear Neighbors,
Two months remain in the legislative session. Here’s an update on some of the progress we’ve made:
House DFL Lawmakers Announce Framework for Minnesota Values Budget
House DFL lawmakers announced a framework for the Minnesota Values Budget this week. Our budget makes significant investments in education, affordable health care, and safe & inclusive communities to build a Minnesota that works better for everyone. Minnesotans care about each other, and we want to see one another succeed. Our new budget framework invests in priorities that Minnesotans have told us they value, and will help improve the lives of people across the state.
Stay tuned for more specifics over the coming weeks. The Associated Press has a story about the announcement here, or you can watch a full video replay here.
House DFL Lawmakers Introduce New Comprehensive Plan to Make Prescription Drugs More Affordable and Accessible
Nearly one in four adults in the U.S. struggle to afford their prescription drugs, forcing patients to make impossible choices. According to a recent report, 30 percent of Minnesotans say they have not taken their medicine as prescribed due to costs, or have reported skipping doses, cutting pills in half, substituting with over-the-counter drugs, or not filling a prescription in the past year.
In response, I support House DFLers’ new comprehensive plan to make prescription drugs more affordable and accessible by holding pharmaceutical companies accountable and putting more power in the hands of Minnesotans who are struggling with the skyrocketing cost of needed medications. A fact sheet with more information about the plan is available here.
Local Grants Awarded to Bloomington Symphony Orchestra
I’m pleased to share that the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra recently received grant funding from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council (MRAC) to fund both February and May concerts and support for a three-year strategic planning process. Supporting the local arts is important for the vitality and uniqueness of our community and I’m proud of the amazing talent the orchestra provides. You can learn more about the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra here.
Keep in Touch
Please reach out with any questions or comments any time. Don’t hesitate to let me know if I can be of assistance. I appreciate hearing from you!
Sincerely,
Andrew Carlson
State Representative