Neighbors,
This has been a challenging time for our communities, state and country. Minnesotans are resilient and will get past these obstacles because we care about each other and want to see one another heal and thrive. I wish you and your family a safe and relaxing holiday weekend.
New laws take effect July 1, 2020
Several new laws took effect July 1, 2020. You can read more about the news laws here: http://www.house.mn/hinfo/leginfo/0720nlrelease.pdf?v=062520. Summaries by non-partisan House Public Information Services can be viewed here: http://www.house.mn/newlaws/#/search/2020.
One of the more notable laws is the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act, which is landmark legislation lawmakers approved this year to help ensure people with diabetes can access the insulin they needed in an emergency and to create a long-term path to access affordable insulin. The bill is named after 26-year old Alec Smith, who died when he was forced to ration his insulin because he couldn’t afford to refill his prescription.
Also taking effect is the Prescription Drug Price Transparency Act, requiring drug makers to report the reasons for price increases and providing other detailed information about the cost of manufacturing, marketing, and distributing drugs. It will also require price transparency for existing drugs, new drugs, and newly acquired drugs. This is a major step forward in our ongoing efforts to ensure all Minnesotans can access the medications they need.
COVID-19 testing milestone reached
Governor Walz announced this week Minnesota has reached a milestone of 20,000 daily COVID-19 test capacity, and nearly 600,000 tests have been completed. You can read more about the latest news here.
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Everyone can work to reduce the spread of COVID-19
- Wear masks when in public. 10-50% of virus carriers are asymptomatic. Wearing masks helps control the virus and has been shown to lower 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 – Find testing locations.
- 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.
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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