Tag: Senate District 50

May 8, 2020

 

Dear Neighbor,

This week brought more news about the challenges and opportunities we face as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Taking time to celebrate and honor teachers and family child care providers was juxtaposed with an update on the budget that demonstrates the magnitude of the work we have ahead of ourselves. As things continue to change, I hope you’ll keep in touch and share your thoughts, concerns, and questions with me.

Updated Budget Projection

Minnesota officials received an interim budget projection from economic experts this week that provides a glimpse into the sustained effects the pandemic has had on state finances. The February economic forecast projected about a $1.5 billion budget surplus for 2020-21. This week’s numbers now project a deficit of $2.4 billion for the same period. That is a nearly $4 billion change in a matter of weeks.

Most of the dip is attributable to a $3.6 billion reduction in expected revenues coming into the state. Spending also is projected to be $391 million higher as the state responds to the pandemic. The state’s budget reserve account remains at $2.4 billion, largely because DFL lawmakers insisted on an automatic savings tool in 2014 that directed up to one-third of each budget surplus to the state’s savings account. Although lawmakers will use caution in dipping into the reserve account, it is a welcome resource that may prevent some harmful budget reductions.

Minnesota Needs a Bonding Bill

Senate DFLers introduced a 2020 jobs bill this week at a Capitol press conference. With less than two weeks left of session and no bonding hearings scheduled in the Senate, they expressed an urgency in getting a bonding bill passed. Minnesota has more than $5 billion in requests to improve our crumbling public buildings and infrastructure across our state, and the COVID-19 pandemic has made the urgency for the jobs these investments will create even greater.

If there was ever a time to pass a robust bonding bill, it’s now. The Senate DFL $2.3 billion capital improvements bill will ensure access to safe drinking water, affordable housing, public safety, and upkeep for the higher education institutions that prepare our future workforce in all four corners of the state. Passing a bonding bill will help address the need for infrastructure improvements and create the local jobs and economic stimulus our state needs during this public health crisis. This bill also includes funding for the 77th Street Underpass, a crucial project in Richfield that’s vital to our area’s transportation needs.

Equity in bonding is crucial in passing a robust bonding bill that benefits Minnesotans in every corner of the state. In order to ensure the diverse communities across our state are thriving, we must invest in meaningful initiatives that support communities of color. Bonding investments are critical for communities and this legislative proposal is a testament to the Senate DFL’s commitment to ensure no one is left is behind.

The Senate DFL is actively working with the governor and House leaders to lead the charge on passing a robust bonding bill that is good for all Minnesota communities. Their prudent and fiscally sound investments will address our backlog of needs, is regionally balanced, will create local jobs, and provide our communities sorely needed economic stimulus during and beyond this public health crisis.

Legislative Action

In committee this week, we took action on a number of bills. The Health and Human Services Finance and Policy Committee heard S.F. 3204, which would streamline the process for prior authorization of medical procedures or medication. This will help reduce delays and out-of-pocket costs for patients. We also heard S.F. 3970, which continues the process of establishing a safe importation action plan for prescription drugs, and S.F. 4500, which establishes a grant program for COVID-19 testing and public health response.

The Senate also passed a number of bills off the floor:

• H.F. 745 would raise the age of marriage in Minnesota to 18
• S.F. 3560 included a package of health-related proposals that I detailed last week
• H.F. 3429 is an omnibus elections policy bill
• S.F. 4494 establishes a distance learning broadband access grant program through the Dept. of Education and a telemedicine equipment reimbursement grant program through the Dept. of Employment and Economic Development

COVID-19 Update

Governor Walz this week announced further guidance on elective medical procedures. Previously, Gov. Walz had issued an executive order suspending certain procedures to set aside and conserve medical resources such as masks and hospital beds for COVID-19 patients. In light of the immense financial impact the suspension has made on medical providers along with stories of patients not getting the time-sensitive medical treatment they need, the Governor decided to, with care and caution, move forward on lifting the suspension.

Many of the important elective procedures administered by doctors, veterinarians, and dentists require time-sensitive action. Postponing these procedures could result in serious consequences such as inability to prevent the progression of life-threatening diseases. The governor has expressed concern with how not allowing these procedures could affect the quality of life and long-term health concerns of Minnesotans.

The Governor also announced his plan to form a Governor’s Advisory Council on a Safe and Inclusive Economy. This would include representatives from business, labor, higher education, and the Departments of Labor & Industry and Employment & Economic Development, as well as legislators. The Council would be tasked with discussing what reopening the economy looks like, what workforce development and skills training look like, and what efforts can be undertaken to create a more inclusive economy and reduce disparities.

Time to Appreciate

This week was both Teacher Appreciation Week and Family Child Care Provider Appreciation Week. I’ve been consistently amazed and impressed by how dedicated these professionals have been under trying circumstances. Time and time again, we’ve seen how they rise to the challenge and continue serving children and families. My hope is that as we look to building the future, our appreciation becomes more than just words — that we demonstrate with policies and investments that we value the people who make our state run, and the work they do.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve our communities in the Minnesota Senate, and please keep in touch.

Regards,

Melissa

April 16th, 2020

Dear Neighbor,

As our state and nation continue to grapple with COVID-19 and its effects on our lives and our economy, I want to make sure that you are able to connect with me if you need assistance or have questions or comments on what is happening within state government.  I also wanted to update you on the work that the legislature did this week.

Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act

On Tuesday, the Senate unanimously passed H.F. 3100, the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act, following an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote in the House of Representatives, and Governor Walz signed it yesterday.  H.F. 3100 represents more than a year of work with families, advocates, legislators, pharmaceutical companies, and many others.  I’m proud to have been a co-author of the bill – named for a Richfield constituent who sadly lost his life due to insulin rationing.

H.F. 3100 does a number of things to help prevent insulin rationing.  It ensures that Minnesotans who are running low on insulin, uninsured, and unable to afford out-of-pocket costs of $75 or more, will be able to get a 30-day supply for no more than $35.  It also requires insulin manufacturers to provide patient assistance programs for qualifying families.  H.F. 3100 is not a perfect bill, and there is still much work to be done on insulin affordability generally, but it will save lives and make a big difference for Minnesotans.  And by ensuring that manufacturers are part of the solution, it recognizes, and begins to hold them accountable for, the affordability crisis they were central in creating. Continue reading “Sen. Melissa Wiklund (SD50) Update: April 16, 2020”

February 2020 Budget Forecast Released

On February 27th, MN Management and Budget (MMB) released their February 2020 budget forecast. This forecast will be the guide for discussions around budget and tax decisions this session. The February forecast projects a positive budget balance of approximately $1.5 billion. This is an increase of about $181 million from the November forecast.

It’s important to remember that the vast majority of this positive balance (over $1.1 billion) is one-time money—not ongoing. That means that any decisions that the legislature makes need to be thought through very carefully as we consider the impacts to future years. Our budget process also does not factor in inflation, and doing so actually would result in a budget deficit in the next biennium.

Additionally, as part of the final budget agreement last year, $491 million was taken from the reserve fund. I believe we should replace those funds in order to be prepared for an economic downturn and ensure that our budget reserves are at recommended levels. Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Wiklund Update: March 5, 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!

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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.

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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”.

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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.

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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.

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