Dear Neighbors,
Yesterday House Speaker Melissa Hortman announced committee structure and chairs who lead on various issues such as housing, public safety, health and human services, etc. I’m pleased to share I’ve been appointed to serve as chair of the House Commerce Committee for the next legislative session. Between helping small businesses survive COVID-19, driving down the price of prescription drugs, and protecting Minnesota’s consumers, we’ll have our work cut out for us.
Over the last two years, the House Commerce Committee advanced the legislation that established the Alec Smith Emergency Insulin program, which ensures access to insulin for diabetics who can’t afford it. The Committee also fought for net neutrality (which I authored), to end predatory lending by putting an interest rate cap on payday loans, and to protect access to health care.
Full committee membership will be announced later this month.
Economic Relief Packages Proposed
It’s an understatement to say that the COVID-19 pandemic has created challenges for Minnesotans, especially working families and small businesses. It doesn’t take an economist to understand that impacted people need more economic aid to weather this pandemic. Minnesota’s new economic forecast, which was released today, indicates that our state is well-positioned to deliver immediate relief. As we await more aid from the federal government, I will continue working with our communities to curb the spread of the virus and support those who are struggling to make ends meet.
I’m encouraged that Democrats and Republicans are diligently working together with the governor to deliver new robust economic aid to our small shop owners and workers struggling during the pandemic. On Nov. 24, we announced a new economic aid plan that puts working families first. The vast majority of Minnesotans support common sense steps like strengthening unemployment insurance and financial support for our neighborhood restaurants, bars, and other struggling businesses. It’s going to take all of us to reinforce the financial support our Minnesota families and businesses need.
Keep in Touch
Please continue to reach out with questions, ideas, or input at rep.zack.stephenson@house.mn. Do not hesitate to let me know how I can provide assistance at 651-296-5513.
It’s an honor to serve our Coon Rapids and Champlin neighborhoods at the State Capitol.
Sincerely,
Zack Stephenson
State Representative