Sen. Melissa Wiklund (SD50) Update: February 20, 2020

2020 Legislative Session Begins

The 2020 legislative session began at noon on February 11th. I’m excited to continue serving our neighbors in Richfield and Bloomington, and while this year’s session is a short one—only 13 weeks—there is much to do.

Although we aren’t required to pass a state budget this year (Minnesota budgets cover two years), with a projected surplus of $1.3 billion, there will undoubtedly be conversation about using that surplus in some fashion. It’s important to remember that the budget surplus is one-time money, and we need to be careful about making investments that could have impacts in future years. Should there be a supplemental budget this year, my priorities will continue to be investing in our E-12 education and early childhood care systems.

The second year of the biennium is typically referred to as a “bonding year”. Discussions have already begun on a bonding bill that addresses unmet needs from previous years, as well as improvements to meet future concerns. I detail one such project from our district on the next page. The fact that there was $5 billion in bonding requests from state agencies and local governments demonstrates large needs across the state. Governor Walz has released his priorities, which included investments in housing, water quality and infrastructure, higher education, public safety, asset preservation, and quality of life projects.

I have supported bonding bills in the past that have contributed to making Minnesota better. There are many worthy projects that need funding, and I hope that we can pass a bill.

There will also be policy discussions around housing, prescription drugs, support for working families, and taxes. With the legislature required to adjourn by May 18th, and every seat up for election this November, it’s sure to be an interesting few months!

First Meetings of Committees

Much of the work of the Senate is done in committees, and I’m looking forward to continuing to serve on committees that deal with issues that are important to folks in our district and around the state.

The Health and Human Services Finance and Policy Committee met last Thursday and discussed insulin affordability.

The Local Government Committee met this past Tuesday and discussed bills related to compensation limits for local government staff, and requirements for meetings of the MetropolitanCouncil. The Commerce and Consumer Protection Finance and Policy Committee discussed exploitation of vulnerable adults.

Minnesota History: On February 22nd, 1980, the United States Olympic Hockey Team (that practiced at the Bloomington Ice Garden) defeats the Soviet Union in a match that becomes known as the “Miracle On Ice”.

Emergency and Affordable Insulin Bills Move Forward

One of my top priorities for this year is to address the cost of, and access to, insulin. I’ve been working closely with my colleagues on a solution over the last year. We know the cost of this crisis in lives, and we know that manufacturers are profiting greatly from it. The cost of insulin has tripled over the last decade, as only three manufacturers control more than 90% of the market share. From September 2018 through September 2019, those companies made $18.5 billion in profits.

I have worked with Rep. Michael Howard (DFL-Richfield) and other legislators on a bipartisan basis to try and work toward a solution.

Our proposal, S.F. 3164, would create both an emergency insulin access program, as well as a longer-term assistance program. This bill also caps copays at $30 for a month’s supply of insulin for fully insured plans sold in Minnesota. Importantly, it would largely be paid for by a fee on insulin manufacturers.

By contrast, the Senate Republican proposal, which was heard in the Health and Human Services Finance and Policy Committee last week, would include a $75 copay for a 30-day emergency supply, and would be funded largely by Minnesota taxpayers.

We know urgent action must be taken to address the epidemic of patients rationing insulin. We have been working since June to find compromise and have adopted several changes in order to find a swift, effective resolution. But asking taxpayers to pay the full cost of a problem that exists because of profit-hungry drug companies is not the kind of solution Minnesotans expect. I hope we can do better.

District Bonding Project Bill Introduced

As I mentioned, a bonding bill will be a major point of discussion this year. Governor Walz has announced his proposal, and I expect that Senate Republicans and House DFLers will do likewise in the coming weeks. Gov. Walz’s proposal totals $2 billion.

I am the Senate author of a bill for funding for a project in our community, and I’m pleased that it was included in Gov. Walz’s proposal. The Bloomington Center for the Arts, which houses Artistry theater productions, as well as the art gallery in Civic Plaza, and includes organizations like Angelica Cantanti, the Medalist Band, and the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra, has requested funding for a proposed concert hall and rehearsal space expansion.

In some ways, the Center for the Arts is a victimofitsownsuccess. Artistryproductions, as well as performances by music organizations and the Continental Ballet Company have become so popular that space for rehearsal and performances is becoming increasingly hard to come by. The request is for $10 million, and the entire cost of the project is estimated to be $25 million. I will be working to see that this important project is funded this year.