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Legislative News and Views - Rep. John Lesch (DFL)

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Capitol Update - January 15, 2019

Tuesday, January 15, 2019

Dear Neighbor,
 
The 2019 Minnesota Legislative Session got underway last Tuesday with the oath of office for new and incoming State Representatives alike. Serving Como Park, the North End, and parts of the East Side and Hamline Midway is such an incredible honor and I’m excited to get to work delivering meaningful results for Minnesotans. It was special to have my family join me at the State Capitol for this occasion.

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Minnesota Values Agenda/Rx Price Gouging
 
My House DFL colleagues and I – newly in the majority after November’s election – wasted no time getting to work. Wednesday, we unveiled our first ten bills, dubbed the Minnesota Values Agenda, drawn from the statewide conversations that made up the Minnesota Values Plan. While this package certainly doesn’t contain everything we hope to accomplish this session, it starts a conversation about the core values that folks have let us know they care about. Overall, Minnesotans care about each other and want to see our families, neighbors, and our state as a whole succeed. Expanding public education opportunities, improving health care and making it more affordable, and strengthening economic security for all families will make this a reality.
 
I’m proud to author one of these bills, which will end prescription drug price gouging. We’ve seen examples of this such as the case of Martin Shkreli – the “Pharma Bro” who increased the price of a certain medication to treat AIDS symptoms 5,000 percent (he’s now in federal prison on an unrelated matter). People with diabetes choosing to ration insulin due to the immorally high cost has also led to tragic consequences.
 
Last year, I was successful in getting this provision passed as an amendment on the House Floor, but Big Pharma was able to operate behind the scenes to stop further progress. This year, with more Minnesotans telling their stories about how outrageous drug prices have affected their wellbeing, I’m confident it can become law.
 
Military Differential Pay
 
Just prior to session, Sen. Andrew Lang of Olivia and I introduced a bill to strengthen economic security for deployed members of the military and their families. Our bipartisan legislation would require Minnesota counties to offer “differential pay” to their employees who are deployed active duty service members. The amount due to the soldier would be the difference between their basic active duty military salary and the salary they would otherwise receive as an employee if not on military leave. One of these is Major Ayodele Famodu, an Assistant Ramsey County Attorney who is currently deployed with Task Force Spartan at Camp Arifjan in Kuwait.

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Dating back to the 1st Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment at Gettysburg, the state of Minnesota has a rich tradition of citizen soldiers honorably serving our nation when called to do so. Unfortunately, when they’re deployed, soldiers often take a significant pay cut from their civilian job. These brave people should be able to focus on their mission, and not have to worry about their economic security at home because of too great a drop in salary to serve.
 
Judiciary Committee
 
This session I’ll be taking on a new responsibility as chair of the House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Division. All Minnesotans – no matter their demographic background, geographic location, or financial standing – deserve access to justice. Unfortunately, many folks face significant barriers to this. In this role, I’ll work diligently to remove these obstacles, and ensure the basic principle of fairness can be found both in our justice system and within the public policy we produce. We have the capacity to enact some good, bipartisan solutions in a wide variety of areas, particularly with regards to criminal sentencing, workplace protections, personal data privacy, and Minnesotans’ basic civil rights.
 
Our first hearing was today. You can keep tabs on the committee schedule here. And sign up for the committee announcement list here.
 
As your State Representative, your input is invaluable to me. Please don’t hesitate to call (651-296- 4224) or email me throughout the session. I’m active on social media too; check out my State Capitol Facebook page here and give it a “Like” to stay connected.
 
It’s an honor to represent you.
 
Sincerely,
 
John Lesch
State Representative