Tag: Rep. Nelson

Rep. Michael Nelson (HD40A) Update: April 3, 2020

Neighbors,

I hope you’re staying healthy and staying home. I know the “Stay at Home” order is a challenge, but I want to thank the vast majority of our community that is doing a remarkable job in doing their part. We’re buying time for our health care professionals to properly prepare for and respond to COVID-19, and in the end we’re saving lives.

Today, Governor Walz gave a transparent and data-driven update of where we currently are in Minnesota. There’s plenty of good news, but he also didn’t pull any punches of what’s at stake. It’s a very honest presentation of what Minnesota needs, and you can watch it here.

Governor Walz also launched a newly created website focused solely on consolidating the information and resources available to Minnesotans on COVID-19. The most recent data, best practices, FAQs, and more can be found at https://mn.gov/covid19/. Continue reading “Rep. Michael Nelson (HD40A) Update: April 3, 2020”

Rep. Michael Nelson (HD40A) Update: March 28, 2020

Neighbors,

Last night, the “Stay at Home” Executive Order began, and it is scheduled to last until Friday, April 10. For many, these next two weeks will be difficult, but I want to emphasize that precious time will be bought by slowing the spread of COVID-19 and allowing our health care professionals the ability to prepare for and treat Minnesotans with the virus.

Stay At Home Can/Should Not

Continue reading “Rep. Michael Nelson (HD40A) Update: March 28, 2020”

Rep. Michael Nelson (HD40A) Update: March 19, 2020

Neighbors,

I hope you and your loved ones are faring well during these challenging times. Major changes to how we live our lives have been happening in quick succession, and I know the uncertainty can be one of the hardest things to deal with right now. At the State Capitol, we’re continuing to work on ways to make sure Minnesota remains strong during and after this pandemic, and I take solace in the ways I’ve seen our community and state band together as we weather this storm.

Here’s a quick update on what we’ve been working on, as well as information on some helpful resources.

Emergency Support for Health Care

In the early hours of Tuesday, the Minnesota House and Senate passed our latest bill in response to the coronavirus. The bill, now law, allocates $200 million toward an emergency and long-term grant program, designed to respond to the needs of health care and long-term care facilities. Continue reading “Rep. Michael Nelson (HD40A) Update: March 19, 2020”

Rep. Michael V. Nelson (HD40A) Update: March 13, 2020

Neighbors,

This week at the State Capitol, much of our work has been dedicated to ensuring that Minnesota is prepared for COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus. Following the first case of COVID-19 in the state last Friday, the Minnesota Legislature acted swiftly and unanimously to pass $20.8 million in investments for the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). We have amazing public health professionals in our state, and these funds will help them combat this virus.

Today, Governor Walz declared a peacetime state of emergency, emphasizing the need to deploy community mitigation strategies (canceling large events, avoiding crowds and travel, keeping substantial space between you and others). This is a quickly evolving situation, but these recommendations don’t mean that healthy Minnesotans should bar themselves from leaving their home entirely, rather that practical measures should be taken to prevent the contraction and spread of COVID-19. Continue reading “Rep. Michael V. Nelson (HD40A) Update: March 13, 2020”

Rep. Michael Nelson (HD40A) Update: February 28, 2020

Neighbors,

It’s been a busy week at the State Capitol with committee hearings, advocate meetings, and our first floor votes of the legislative session. The Minnesota House put some urgency behind our initial bills as they were either already extensively vetted last year, or dealt with time-sensitive issues.

Passing the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act

Last week, I highlighted the importance of the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act as it passed through my committee, one of seven it passed through in seven days, and I’m extremely proud to have helped pass it off the House floor this week. With 1 in 4 Type 1 Diabetics rationing their insulin because they can no longer afford it, it’s important that we get this bill to the governor’s desk as soon as possible.

Insulin Cost Graph Continue reading “Rep. Michael Nelson (HD40A) Update: February 28, 2020”

Rep. Michael Nelson (HD40A) Update: February 21, 2020

Neighbors,

The 2020 legislative session is underway, and things are moving quickly for what is typically the shorter session of the biennium. As last year’s session focused on crafting a state budget, this year’s work will center on infrastructure and community projects, new policy issues, and revisiting unfinished work from 2019. As chair of the House State Government and Finance Division, I’ve already had some important bills come through committee.

Here’s an update on some of our recent work.

Affordable Insulin

Earlier this week, my committee heard testimony on the fast-tracked Alec Smith Affordable Insulin Act, which has already been heard in several other committees since session began. The reason for the urgency on this bill is because it provides a solution Minnesotans desperately need now, as diabetics in our state have already died from attempting to ration their expensive medication. Last year, the Minnesota House passed a version of this bill, but in the final hours of negotiations the Minnesota Senate rejected it. A special session seemed possible during the interim, but an agreement was never reached. Continue reading “Rep. Michael Nelson (HD40A) Update: February 21, 2020”

Rep. Michael Nelson (HD40A): January 17, 2020

Neighbors,

This week, Governor Walz rolled out his proposals for the 2020 public works package, called a Bonding Bill, and I’m grateful that he has included several projects for Brooklyn Park.

The first is funding to plan a Center for Innovation and The Arts (CITA) for North Hennepin Community College. This project is meant to be a flexible facility that will increase opportunities for students, expand post-secondary pathways to the arts and STEM careers, and provide equitable and inclusive access to arts, technology, and cross-cultural programming.

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The proposed design for the Center for Innovation and the Arts Continue reading “Rep. Michael Nelson (HD40A): January 17, 2020”

Rep. Michael Nelson (HD40A) Update: December 24, 2019

Neighbors,

I hope you’re enjoying the holiday season and staying warm. I wish you all happy holidays, and I hope the New Year brings you peace, joy, and success in your resolutions!

Happy Holidays Continue reading “Rep. Michael Nelson (HD40A) Update: December 24, 2019”

Rep. Michael Nelson (HD40A) Update: November 8, 2019

Neighbors,

It’s hard to believe it’s already November – I hope you’re fully adjusted to the time change.

Remember that there are resources available if you, family or friends are struggling with the heating bill. Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule (CWR) helps protect Minnesotans from having their heat shut off between October 15 and April 15. You can find more information about it here.

Youth Vaping

We’re only beginning to understand the dangers of vaping, but it’s clearly not the cleaner, safer quit-smoking device we thought it was. Athletes are having trouble breathing during workouts, students are having trouble concentrating, and educators are spending time during class monitoring for kids sneaking hits of nicotine.

Last week, my House DFL colleagues announced a comprehensive plan to combat Big Tobacco’s youth targeting.

Here are some highlights of the plan:

  • By raising the legal age to purchase tobacco age to 21, we will limit youth targeting.
  • We will reduce youth access by stopping all internet sales of tobacco, e-cigarette, and vaping products.
  • By prohibiting sales of all flavored tobacco products in our state, we will reduce the appeal of tobacco products for vulnerable populations.
  • We will support prevention efforts with a dedicated office to combat the immense pressure of the tobacco industry with effective counter-marketing.
  • Finally, we will fight to ensure that every Minnesotan has access to quit-smoking resources to help them break free from addiction. We’ll promote the state’s quitting program and remove barriers that prevent Medicaid patients and others from accessing quit-smoking medications and therapy.

Youth nicotine addiction isn’t just affecting families – it is touching health clinics, schools, and communities in every corner of Minnesota. This is about protecting our kids, and it’s time to take bold action to hold Big Tobacco accountable.

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Open Enrollment – Happening Now!

Open enrollment (which ends on Dec. 23) is your chance to change health care plans or enroll in a new plan that’s best for you and your family. The MNsure marketplace is the only place where you can qualify for financial help in the form of monthly tax credits. Go to MNsure.org to compare plans and get covered!

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A Plan for Robo Calls

Robo-calls are disruptive and cause people to not want to pick up the phone when it rings. In fact, Minnesotans on average have received more than 58 robo-calls so far this year. My colleagues introduced a plan to crack down on the calls to protect Minnesotans from the predatory scams, and I look forward to supporting the bill during the 2020 legislative session. You can read more about the plan from MPR here or watch the WCCO clip here.

Let me know if you have any questions or feedback! I always enjoy hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Rep. Michael Nelson

Rep. Michael Nelson (HD40A) Update: October 8, 2019

Neighbors,

I wanted to let you know about a few opportunities to weigh in on some important issues facing our state, and give a quick update on our mini-session in the Winona area!

Minnesota Values Project

The Minnesota Values Project is an ongoing partnership between Minnesotans and elected officials. We’re working together to create a shared vision for the future of our state, and your input is an important part of this process! You can let us know what’s important to you, your community, and Minnesota by taking a quick survey here.

Join a Statewide Conversation about Historic Fort Snelling

Historic Fort Snelling, a 23-acre site located along the Mississippi River, has had many names over the years. The Minnesota Historical Society is asking Minnesotans to weigh in on what it should be called. You can share your opinions by taking a survey or attending one of the upcoming public meetings. More information about the survey and public meetings is available here. Continue reading “Rep. Michael Nelson (HD40A) Update: October 8, 2019”