Dear Neighbors,
Thanks to those of you who were able to make it to our town halls last weekend. Attendance and participation was outstanding — we were at max capacity!
We’re a little over a week into the 2020 Legislative Session. This email update takes a quick look at some of the top issues we’ll be discussing.
Ensuring Minnesotans have access to affordable insulin and prescription drugs
Minnesotans shouldn’t lose their lives because they can’t afford the lifesaving medications they need. That’s why we passed the Alec Smith Emergency Insulin Act in the 2019 Session. We’ve been waiting for the Republican-led Senate to meet us in the middle.
House DFLers and Governor Walz have continued to work to get agreement with the Senate so we can enact insulin affordability legislation into law. We’re ready to complete this work as soon as possible. We are waiting for Republicans to recognize that the pharmaceutical industry created and profits from this crisis, and they must participate in funding a solution.
Investing in local jobs & projects
This session also provides us the chance to make critical investments in the infrastructure that Minnesotans depend on every single day. These local projects create jobs for Minnesotans and improve public safety, affordable housing, higher education, and water quality for all of us.
It’s responsible for us to make these investments now. House Republicans weren’t interested in passing a local projects bill last year. This year, we’re hopeful they will come to the table to invest in communities across the state.
Closing the opportunity gap through early care & learning
The Minnesota House DFL believes all of our children deserve a great start in life. This year, House DFLers are proposing that the state make a significant investment in children from birth to age 3. We know this is the most critical period for brain development, and we know that high quality early education can help close the opportunity gap. Our children are only young once. Investments now — like the ones we’re proposing — will positively impact them for the rest of their lives. You can learn more about our proposal here and watch the video of our event here.
Bold action on climate
Climate change is one of the most significant threats to Minnesota’s future economic growth and vitality, and we have a responsibility to be part of the solution.
Last fall, I asked House members to form a Climate Action Caucus and develop a Climate Action Plan. The Minnesota House DFL will continue advocating for bold action on climate, including a 100 percent clean energy standard. Stay tuned — this will be an active topic throughout session.
Providing greater economic security through paid family leave and earned sick and safe time
All Minnesotans should have time to care for themselves or loved ones. That’s why we passed both paid family leave and earned sick and safe time last session. Right now, far too many Minnesotans have to choose between work and taking care of a new baby, a loved one, or themselves. We are committed to delivering solutions for our hard-working families to provide greater economic security.
Preventing senseless gun violence
Last year, 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.
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.
Addressing lack of affordable housing
We are almost at a crisis point on housing affordability in Minnesota. Housing affordability is essential for providing long-term economic security and stability for our families. There are a number of housing proposals being considered, and it will be a significant part of any local jobs and projects bill.
As always, please contact me anytime with your input. I appreciate hearing from you! You can reach me at 651-296-4280 or rep.melissa.hortman@house.mn. You can also keep up with what’s happening at the Capitol by liking my legislative Facebook page. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Melissa Hortman