We’re vetting bills and moving them through committee and passing them off the House Floor. Here’s a brief overview of what we’re working on related to health and education. Healthy, Thriving CommunitiesSchool-Linked Mental Health A significant bill that moved last week relates to school-linked mental health. Without the mental health treatment they need, kids struggle to learn and cope in the classroom. School-linked mental health partnerships with schools have been around since 2007, but funding hasn’t kept up to meet the needs of our kids who need it most. This is a positive development and I’ll continue to monitor its progress. Expanding Diagnostic Coverage for Breast Cancer Patients The House Health Finance Committee also approved a bill that requires Medical Assistance, MinnesotaCare, and other health plans to cover additional mammogram diagnostic testing to ensure a complete breast cancer screening. Quality care includes comprehensive care, and early detection is critical. I’m glad to see this measure moving forward. Read more here. Preparing for the Silver Tsunami Our state demographer has estimated that Minnesota had fewer than 600,000 residents aged 65 or greater in 2000 and will have more than one million in 2023 — approximately one in six residents. That demographic is expected to increase to 1.25 million in 2030. I’m authoring legislation to create a task force on aging that will help prepare us for the demographic shift and its impact on our economy, health care system, and social services. You can more in my press release here.  Gun Violence Prevention Legislation Advances Today, on the fifth anniversary of the devastating mass shooting in Parkland, Florida at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, we’re reeling from another tragedy at Michigan State University. We need to take proactive measures to keep our communities safe. Recently at the Capitol, victims of gun violence, physicians, and law enforcement organizations including the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association, the Minnesota Sheriff’s Association, and the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association testified in support of four significant bills to address gun violence. These all advanced and include: - HF 14 would require criminal background checks on all gun sales in Minnesota. The legislation would close loopholes allowing dangerous felons and other prohibited individuals to purchase guns from unlicensed sellers.
- HF 15 would establish Extreme Risk Protection Orders. The legislation would allow a family member, law enforcement officer, or city or county attorney to petition a court to temporarily remove access to guns from individuals in crisis who may be in danger of harming themselves or others.
- HF 396 would require firearms and ammunition to be stored securely, an important step to prevent access by children.
- HF 601 would require gun owners to report lost or stolen firearms to law enforcement. Lost and stolen guns are often used in crimes or end up in the hands of those who may cause harm to themselves or others.
Class of 2023 Name a Snowplow Contest Winner Over 64,000 Minnesotans voted for their favorite names for this year's Minnesota Department of Transportation’s Name a Snowplow contest. Osseo Middle School students who submitted "Blizzo," have been chosen as one of the winners, with the second most votes in the state! Students received a shoutout from Minnesota’s very own Lizzo herself. Congrats Osseo Middle School!  Keep in TouchPlease continue to reach out at rep.ginny.klevorn@house.mn.gov or 651-296-5511 with input or questions. Even if you can’t make it to the town hall on Saturday, I hope you’ll feel free to contact me anytime to share your views about our progress. Our Plymouth and Medicine Lake communities’ voices drive my work for us at the Capitol. Have a great week! Warmly, Ginny Klevorn
State Representative |