Dear Neighbors,

As the leaves change color and students are back in school, I hope your transition to fall is treating you well. Here’s an update from the State Capitol.

House Capital Investment Committee Tour

Next year, one of the major items on the Legislature’s to-do list is a Capital Investment Bonding Bill to fund infrastructure improvements across the state. The needs are significant, with $5.3 billion of requests from local units of government and state agencies to fix aging state buildings, such as colleges and universities and correctional facilities, wastewater treatment plants, parks, trails, and more. With a AAA state bond rating and low interest rates, now is the time to make robust infrastructure investments to protect our assets, help grow local economies, and create jobs.

The House Capital Investment Committee, of which I am a member, recently toured northeastern Minnesota. Within our legislative district, we visited the Chisholm Public Safety Building which local officials would like to replace as the current facility no longer adequately serves the needs of police and fire departments. In fact, the building was originally designed for horse-drawn fire equipment and is unable to house modern-sized trucks. The concrete floors have needed to be replaced because they cannot support the weight of the fire engines. There is a lack of modern security features, no handicap accessibility, and unsafe ventilation. After a fire, space for recovery and equipment cleaning is inadequate.

We visited Chet Tomassoni Ice Arena, which also pumps ice to the Chisholm Curling Club, and saw the need for a new ice plant. The committee got to see breathtaking views of the Mine View in Hibbing, which needs to be relocated, and the Canisteo Mine Pit, the water level of which could put the city of Bovey in danger. Members toured Floodwood’s failing wastewater treatment ponds. In 2018, a control structure broke which led to wastewater being released into the ground. Communities like these only have so much capacity to fund these projects, so it’s important for the Legislature to step up and be part of the solution.

Members also heard presentations about the East Itasca Joint Regional Sewer and Wastewater Treatment Facility, Buhl’s water infrastructure, and a proposed new septic system at the Togo Correctional Facility. Togo is home of the Challenge Incarceration Program, an intensive “boot camp” style program which allows nonviolent offenders to earn early release. This summer, I had the opportunity to tour the facility. The work taking place at Togo is nothing short of inspirational while at the same time producing evidenced results. The CIP holds offenders accountable while using a restorative justice model to wholly transform offenders.

Addressing the Soaring Cost of Insulin

The price of insulin has tripled in the last decade, and one out of four people with diabetes have reported rationing due to the high cost of the drug. This is unacceptable, and lawmakers are working to ensure no one is forced to ration their insulin. Last week, the House Health and Human Services Committee held a public hearing to discuss proposals like the Alec Smith Emergency Insulin Act, which would allow those unable to afford the cost of their prescription an emergency 30 day supply of insulin. This would be paid for by the drug companies who have profited tremendously off of those who need this drug to survive.

The legislation is named for Alec Smith, a Type 1 diabetic who was dropped from his parents’ insurance when he was turned 26. A time came when he was running low on insulin and he tried to ration his remaining supply until his next paycheck when he could fill his prescription. Alec never made it to payday, and after suffering from diabetic ketoacidosis, he tragically passed away. In this state and in this country it’s shameful that this is a possibility.

The House passed the Alec Smith Act in the 2019 session, but the measure stalled in the Senate. Since the session adjourned, a bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers have been meeting to reach a consensus, but haven’t reached agreement on a funding source. I’m hopeful this agreement can be reached soon, perhaps even before the 2020 legislative session.

Apply for the High School Page Program

If you know a high school junior interested in state government, encourage them to apply for the House High School Page Program. The program is a one of a kind educational opportunity for Minnesota students to be up close and personal with their state government. Students in the program have the ability to experience the legislative process firsthand by assisting members during House Floor sessions.

Other highlights included in each student's week at the Capitol are individual meetings with legislators designed to allow students to discuss the issues that matter most to them. They also participate in a mock committee session designed to develop their leadership skills and to inspire them to think critically about the issues confronting our state. Throughout the week, students have the chance to meet with constitutional officers, judges and court officers, lobbyists, and members of the media.

The deadline to apply is November 21. Click here for more information.

MVP Survey

Working together, we can strengthen our communities by improving education opportunities, making affordable healthcare a reality, and increasing economic prosperity for all Minnesotans. As a Minnesotan, what do you care about, and what’s your vision for our state? The Minnesota Values Project has facilitated meaningful conversations between legislators and Minnesotans about shared our priorities and ahead of the 2020 session, we want this to continue. Please take our new short MVP Survey to share your thoughts.

Sincerely,

Julie Sandstede

State Representative