Dear Deb,
We had a very busy week at the Minnesota House of Representatives, passing our first bills of the 2020 Legislative Session.
Protecting voter privacy in the presidential nominating primary
The Minnesota House DFL supports increased voter privacy in the presidential primary. That’s why we passed legislation recommended by Secretary of State Steve Simon that would address data and privacy concerns.
The reason this year’s process in Minnesota is run through a primary rather than precinct caucuses is because Minnesotans were very unhappy with the 2008 and 2016 straw poll process at precinct caucuses. Minnesotans asked the Legislature to take action to make the process more accessible.
Minnesotans have now asked the Legislature to take action to protect their privacy, but any change will require agreement with Senate Republicans. We hope they will join us to address Minnesotans’ concerns about privacy. You can learn more here.
Passing the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act
Minnesotans shouldn’t lose their lives because they can’t afford the lifesaving medications they need. On Wednesday, the Minnesota House DFL passed a proposal that provides emergency access to insulin, long-term affordability, and is ready to implement right now. We are waiting for Republicans to recognize that the pharmaceutical industry created and profits from this crisis, and it must participate in funding a solution. You can read more here.
Keeping Minnesotans safe from senseless gun violence
Celebrating floor passage of gun violence prevention legislation with bill authors Rep. Dave Pinto (left) and Rep. Ruth Richardson (middle)
Minnesotans have been loud and clear that they want the legislature to take action to address senseless gun violence. The DFL-led House responded to this call to action again on Thursday, passing legislation for criminal background checks on all gun sales and extreme risk protection orders.
Despite overwhelming public support for these proposals, Senate Republicans have blocked them at every opportunity. Senate Republicans should listen to Minnesotans and join us in supporting and passing these measures so we can enact them into law. These measures are making a difference where they’ve been enacted — including in Republican-led states. You can learn more here.
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 and following the Minnesota House DFL on Twitter and Facebook. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Melissa Hortman