Dear Neighbors,
I hope you and your family are staying safe, healthy, and enjoying the summer. While it’s been encouraging to see COVID-19 hospitalizations dropping in Minnesota, we’re continuing to see increases in cases, and very concerning spikes in states across the country. Please continue to social distance and wear a mask when in public.
Minnesota has reached the milestone of a daily capacity of 20,000 tests. If you have symptoms, please get tested. Testing is critical to preventing and monitoring the spread of COVID-19. You can learn more and find testing locations here.
This weekend also marks Independence Day. The murder of George Floyd, protests around the country, and a pandemic have made it clear that the work of our nation is nowhere near complete. We have a long way to go toward equality, justice, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I hope you get time to reflect on our history and where we need to go in the future.
New Laws
A number of new laws go into effect today, July 1, 2020. Here are a couple highlights:
- Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act: People shouldn’t lose their lives because they can’t afford the insulin they need to survive. Beginning July 1, 2020, the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act will allow diabetics with less than a seven-day supply of insulin readily available, and who need the drug “in order to avoid the likelihood of suffering significant health consequences,” to pay no more than $35 to get a 30-day supply from a pharmacy. Through the longer-term program, someone can receive up to a 90-day supply of insulin from manufacturers. Insulin is provided on an ongoing basis for the 12-month eligibility period and eligibility for the program may be renewed. More information is available here.
- Prescription Drug Price Transparency Act: This new law will require prescription drug makers to report, beginning Oct. 1, 2021, certain drug pricing information for existing drugs, new drugs and newly acquired drugs whose prices increase by specified amounts. In addition to disclosing the cost of manufacturing, marketing and distributing those drugs, drug makers will report sales revenue, net profits, financial assistance through patient prescription assistance programs and agreements to delay generics. Drug makers that fail to follow the law are subject to fines of up to $10,000 per day. Money from these fines must be deposited in the Health Care Access Fund.
The full list of new laws can be found here.
Special Session<
The Special Session that started on June 12th adjourned early in the morning on June 20th. The House came into the special session with the intention of finding as many agreements as possible. It’s disappointing that the Senate adjourned instead of making progress on some of the most important issues Minnesotans are demanding we address.
However, I was pleased we were able to agree on and pass assistance for small businesses impacted by COVID-19, and some legislation related to health care, education, and child care
The Minnesota House DFL is continuing to work to find agreement with Senate Republicans and the Governor on policing reform and accountability, addressing COVID-19 and its economic impacts, bonding, taxes, and rebuilding areas damaged in the civil unrest
This moment in history calls upon us to deliver transformative policy to further racial justice. There is nothing more pressing than the need to change law and policy so that it values and protects the lives of Black, Indigenous, and people of color in Minnesota. It’s a big task, and it will take an enormous commitment of time and goodwill to achieve.
Even though the Republican-led Senate walked out on the June special session, that doesn’t end my effort to lead the Minnesota House to keep working with our colleagues both in the legislature and the executive branch. Minnesota should be leading the way, enacting nation-leading policies to make systemic change and ensure police are accountable to the communities they serve
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.
Happy Independence Day!
Sincerely
Melissa Hortman