Neighbors,
This week in the Health Finance and Policy Committee, we heard legislation that aims to make sure everyone has access to affordable healthcare. Small business owners are one group who have been hurt by health plans with high premiums and high deductibles. The testifiers, including family farmers and “ma and pop” shop owners, told compelling stories about the difficult choices, worries, and heartaches that come from trying to maintain access to affordable healthcare for themselves, their families, and their employees. In addition to expanding the number of people who would be able to enroll in a public option, the bill is structured to maximize federal funding and to increase competition. New enrollees will be able to take advantage of lower out-of-pocket costs and access to a strong network of providers. You can watch the hearing here.
In the Preventive Health committee, we heard about the threat to public health caused by climate change. Extreme weather events (storms, floods, and droughts), degraded air quality, and infectious diseases carried by mosquitoes and ticks as they expand territory, are examples of how climate change is creating a health crisis in Minnesota and the world. You can watch the committee hearing here.
Due North Education Plan
This week, Governor Walz announced the Due North Education Plan, a comprehensive agenda crafted with input from educators, school leaders, students, and families across Minnesota.
Governor’s budget
Governor Walz unveiled his COVID-19 Recovery Budget to support Minnesotans most affected by the pandemic. The proposed plan focuses on supporting working families, ensuring students catch up on learning, and delivering small businesses vital assistance while driving Minnesota’s economic recovery.
Everyone can work to reduce the spread of COVID-19
- Wear masks when in public. 10-50% of virus carriers are asymptomatic (are not experiencing any symptoms). Wearing masks helps control the virus and has been shown to lessen COVID-19 spread.
- Avoid enclosed spaces with groups of people, where the virus can linger in the air for long periods of time.
- Get tested if you have cold or flu-like symptoms.
- Stay six feet away from others.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or sleeve, or a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands afterwards.
- Washing your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom or before eating. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your face – especially your eyes, nose and mouth – with unwashed hands.
- Up-to-date guidance is available from the Department of Health.
Stay connected with the legislature
The Minnesota House will continue to operate remotely, as they did throughout most of 2020. The House will ensure openness and transparency for the public by expanding the number of simultaneous committees it can webcast live from a maximum of two to five, so you can stay current on issues moving through committees this budget session.
The Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services offers nonpartisan recaps of high-profile bills, committee hearings, and floor sessions with their Session Daily publication. Subscribe to receive these here. To track bills of interest through the legislative process, I encourage you to utilize the MyBills feature on the Minnesota House of Representatives’ website here.
Please continue to reach out with any input, ideas, or feedback about the issues important to you. I value hearing from you, so please don’t hesitate to call or email me any time. You can also connect with me on Facebook here. It’s an honor to represent you at the State Capitol.
Sincerely,
Laurie Pryor
State Representative