Dear Neighbors,
Summer is flying by. Here’s an update from the State Capitol, where we’re still working to protect the health and economic wellbeing of Minnesotans during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as deliver criminal justice reforms and reimagine public safety following George Floyd’s tragic killing.
Virtual Town Hall Meeting
Join Sen. John Marty and me for a Virtual Town Hall Meeting on Wednesday, July 8 from 5 – 6:30 p.m. over on my Facebook page. We recognize there are many important issues weighing heavily on people’s minds this summer, and we deeply value engagement from the community. Please join us to discuss these topics as we continue our work to build a better Minnesota for everyone.
WHAT: Virtual Town Hall Meeting
WHO: Rep. John Lesch, Sen. John Marty, community members
WHEN: Wednesday, July 8, 5 p.m.
WHERE: Rep. Lesch’s Facebook page
Police Accountability Legislation
George Floyd should still be alive. That Minneapolis police officers killed him in the fashion they did – on videotape for the entire world to witness – is the result of a complete lack of humanity on their part, but is also symptomatic of a system that for too long has lacked accountability and has failed to make adequate progress in delivering racial justice. Immediately, House DFLers went to work creating meaningful solutions to these systemic and cultural problems. The People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) Caucus developed the Minnesota Police Accountability Act of 2020, a series of reforms to strengthen accountability, reclaim community oversight, and reimagine public safety. In the recent special session, I was proud to support this transformative package of reforms to ensure every single Minnesotan can be safe when they interact with law enforcement, no exceptions.
Unfortunately, the Senate Republican Majority only put forth a half-hearted package of policy changes. While their proposal had some new training requirements and suggestions for new procedures, it lacked the real accountability Minnesotans – especially those from communities of color – deserve at this pivotal time. Governor Walz described the plan best: “weaksauce.”
Despite the whole world watching our state to see if we’d step up and enact police accountability reforms following George Floyd’s murder, during the recent special session, Senate Republicans refused to consider the meaningful reforms put forth by the POCI Caucus, and adjourned the special session, in effect walking away from this critical conversation. Governor Walz will call another special session as soon as this week, and I’m hopeful we can deliver the bold changes Minnesotans are demanding.
New Laws
On July 1, several new laws took effect. Among these is the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act, landmark legislation we passed this session to help ensure people with diabetes can access the insulin they need in an emergency situation, and to create a long-term path to access affordable insulin. The bill is named after Alec Smith, a 26-year-old from Richfield who tragically died when he was forced to ration his insulin because he couldn’t afford to refill his prescription.
Unconscionably, on the eve of this legislation becoming law, Big Pharma filed a lawsuit to stop it from going on the books. It shouldn’t be surprising, but despite massive industry consolidation and skyrocketing profits, these companies will stop at nothing to protect their bottom line, even if it means people go without the medications they need to live.
Another law taking effect was the Prescription Drug Price Transparency Act. It requires drug makers to report the reasons for price increases and provide other detailed information about the cost of manufacturing, marketing, and distributing drugs. This is only one step aimed at reducing the price of prescription drugs, and I will keep pushing for bolder initiatives, like my legislation to ban prescription drug price gouging outright.
You can read more about the new laws here.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me with your input and feedback, or if I can ever be of assistance. It’s an honor to represent you.
Sincerely,
John Lesch
State Representative