Neighbors of 53B,

I think it's fair to say it's truly Fall now - and even if you're not looking forward to the colder weather there are great opportunities to get outside. If you're looking for the best Fall leaves, take a look at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ fall color finder! 

We've also been keeping ourselves pretty busy around the Capitol. Here's a brief update: 

Mini Session 

We're not officially back in session until February, but we wanted to use our time off to bring the work we do at the Capitol to people who don't normally have the chance to come to St. Paul to advocate for their priorities or their community. In an effort to make the legislature more accessible and responsive to Minnesotans near and far, we packed up and headed to Rochester, Winona and surrounding communities to hold hearings, learn about local projects, and host round table conversations. 

Mayo Clinic experts offered valuable insights into the state of health care, local educators helped us understand challenges and opportunities in both K-12 and Higher Education, and tours of infrastructure projects will help us address our state's most critical infrastructure needs. 

Climate Action

We've seen passionate engagement from young people around the world on climate change over the last couple of weeks. Students are demanding that policy makers take action to protect our environment (and their own future), and we responded. I'm a proud member of the brand-new Climate Action Caucus tasked with coming up with a plan to combat climate change in Minnesota and the impacts it's having on our communities. 

Governor Walz also announced that Minnesota will implement clean car standards projected to reduce our state’s carbon emissions by two million tons by 2030. The decision to make Minnesota the first Midwest state to adopt clean car standards will give Minnesotans more choices for electric vehicles and ensure they will pay less at the gas pump. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency released a fact sheet with more information about these standards and how they will impact Minnesotans. It’s available here.

Speaking of climate, The Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) is seeking input for a strategic plan that will guide Environment and Natural Resources investments for the next six years. I encourage you to take our short, anonymous survey and share it with anyone who might be interested in participating! The survey will be open until Monday, October 28.

Emergency Insulin

Last week, the Minnesota House held a public hearing to discuss the Alec Smith Emergency Insulin Act and other proposals to address the skyrocketing cost of insulin and other prescription drugs. The price of insulin has tripled in the last decade, and studies indicate that 1 in 4 diabetics have resorted to rationing their insulin due to the high cost. Nobody should ever have to ration or skip the medication they rely on to survive.

I am encouraged the Senate has begun to acknowledge the accessibility and affordability barriers many Minnesotans are facing with insulin and I will continue to work to ensure Minnesotans can afford health care they need.

High School Page Program

The House High School Page Program gives students an opportunity to see state government in action while spending a week at the Capitol. Current high school juniors can learn more about the program and apply here. Applications must be submitted by Thursday, November 21.

I hope you won't hesitate to continue reaching out with thoughts, questions, and concerns. 

Rep. Steve Sandell