Dear neighbors,
As the 2020 legislative session begins, I wanted to update you on a few key events that are coming up.
Prioritizing Emergency Access to Insulin and Long-Term Affordability
Ensuring that Minnesotans can get the insulin they need at a price they can afford is one of my top priorities. I worked hard to pass the Alec Smith Emergency Insulin Act last year, but it was rejected by Senate Republicans in the final minutes of negotiation. For the past several months, my colleagues and I have been working with Republicans and trying to find a solution that they’re willing to support. We heard Alec’s Bill in the Commerce Committee, which I chair, this afternoon. We’re ready to act immediately, so I hope that my Republican colleagues will join us to provide much-needed help for Minnesotans who are struggling to afford their insulin.
Governor Tim Walz and Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman’s opinion piece about insulin access and affordability was published in the Star Tribune. It’s available here if you’d like to read more about this important topic. You can also watch today’s Commerce Committee hearing here.
Support for Safe Routes to School
In this year’s legislative session, I’m committed to securing a robust, regionally-balanced package of investments in our higher education institutions, roads and bridges, parks and trails, and other important assets, including many in our region. Governor Walz recently released a list of recommended projects. I’m pleased that he included $10 million for Minnesota’s Safe Routes to School program. The funds would be used for infrastructure that makes it safer for students to walk and bike to school, such as new sidewalks and bicycle trails, ADA improvements, traffic diversion and speed reduction measures, and enhanced crosswalk devices and markings. I’ll continue advocating for this program and other initiatives that would benefit our community and others throughout the state.
State Settlements with CenturyLink and Comcast
Attorney General Keith Ellison recently announced that the state of Minnesota has reached settlements with CenturyLink and Comcast/Xfinity. Thousands of Minnesotans will be eligible for refunds or debt relief under the terms of these settlements. You can find out if you’re eligible for reimbursement by submitting your information to the Attorney General’s office. Click here if you’re a CenturyLink customer and here if you’re a Comcast customer. I’m pleased that Minnesotans will get the relief they deserve, and that CenturyLink and Comcast are being held accountable for failing to operate in a fair and transparent manner.
Be Counted in the 2020 Census
The 2020 Census is just around the corner. This once-a-decade count provides crucial data that’s used to determine how much federal funding our state receives for school lunches, Medicare, transportation, and other crucial services. In March, the U.S. Census Bureau will start sending information on how to be properly counted to every home in the state. Click here to download a fact sheet with more information, or here to watch a short video.
The U.S. Census Bureau must fill thousands of temporary positions to conduct the census. These positions provide flexible hours and competitive wages; in Dakota County, census takers can earn $22 per hour. More information about working for the Census is available here.
Eagan News: Apply to Serve on an Advisory Commission
Every year the Eagan City Council appoints residents to five commissions that advise them on specific policy issues, including planning, parks and recreation, airport relations, energy and the environment, and watershed management. I served on the Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission for many years, and I encourage anyone who’s interested in being more involved to apply. It’s a great way to serve the community and be part of local decision making.
You can learn more about these commissions and apply here.
Please continue sharing your questions, feedback, and suggestions with me as the legislative session progresses. You can reach me at rep.laurie.halverson@house.mn or 651-296-4128.
Sincerely,
Laurie Halverson
State Representative
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Minnesota Legislature
