Dear Neighbors,
It was a very productive week for us at the House last week and I’m ready to keep the ball rolling as we move into week four. Here is a quick recap of what I’ve helped the House accomplish so far this session.
Primary Elections
The presidential primary elections are today, Tuesday, March 3rd. You can find your polling place here. Last week, the House passed the Secretary of State’s primary election privacy bill that would allow the Secretary to State to withhold sending the information about which party’s primary you voted in if you so desire. For this law to be effective, the Senate would also have to pass it sometime in the next month, or so. (The Secretary of State doesn’t have to send out the data until about 10 weeks after the election).
If you early voted for a candidate who has dropped out of the race, it’s too late to change your vote (that had to be done a week in advance of the election).
MN House Passes Alec Smith Emergency Insulin Bill
Too many Minnesotans suffering from diabetes are forced to choose between getting the medicine they need and paying their bills. That’s why I’m proud to announce that I co-authored and voted with my colleagues to pass the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act. Alec’s bill is a combination of great ideas from both Democratic and Republican proposals which will ensure that Minnesotans have emergency access to insulin and affordable insulin over the long-term. This bill passed with bipartisan support and I am committed to working with the Senate to make sure it is signed into law so it can save lives.
Gun Violence Prevention Bills Passed
Last week I voted with my colleagues to pass two common sense gun laws. It’s time to take action to put an end to America’s epidemic of senseless gun violence and mass shootings. Firearms are the leading cause of death for children and teens in Minnesota. This fact is intolerable. Last session I supported legislation that passed the House which would expand criminal background checks on all gun sales (HF 8) and establish extreme risk protection orders (ERPO, HF 9). Criminal background checks on all gun sales are already required in 21 states (including GOP controlled states) and the District of Columbia. States that have taken this approach have experienced lower homicide rates, lower firearm suicide rates, and less firearm trafficking. ERPO laws have reduced firearm suicides, homicides, and mass shootings in other states, and they are currently in use in 17 states and the District of Columbia. Due to the continued outcry for action from my constituents I will continue to push for legislation that will make Minnesota safer.
Keep in Touch
Please contact me anytime with questions, input, or ideas. Don’t hesitate to reach out if I can provide any assistance.
Thanks for the honor of representing you at the Capitol.
Sincerely,
Steve Elkins
Representative, District 49B
Minnesota House of Representatives
515 State Office Building 100
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55155
(651) 296-7803