Neighbors,

I hope you're making the most of our transition from summer to fall! If you want some pointers on how to catch peak leaf colors, check out the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ fall color finder.

We've been busy around the Capitol! Here's an update: 

Climate Action

Last week, young people around the world held rallies to bring awareness to climate change and ask lawmakers to take action. We worked in partnership with young people participating in Climate Action Week in announcing a new Climate Action Caucus. The caucus is working on a plan to find solutions and establish Minnesota as a national leader in the fight against climate change. 

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 new policy means that those who choose to drive clean cars will have more options and will pay less at the 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.

LCCMR Survey

The Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) is seeking input for a strategic plan that will guide Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF) 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 proposed solutions 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 will continue to work to ensure Minnesotans can afford health care they need.

Community Events 

Though we're not in session, it's been great to meet with so many of you in the interim to learn about your challenges and the things you're working on!

It was an honor to meet Jennie Josseph, the creator of The JJ Way, which is an innovative and effective maternal child health system that has addressed disparities & improved birth outcomes for thousands of women & children.

I got to meet with Education Minnesota about supporting students and teachers. 

Meeting with Community Fire Chiefs

Supporting small, minority, women and veteran owned business.

Connecting on disability issues.

As always, let me know if you have comments and questions! It's always a pleasure to hear from you. 

Sincerely,

Rep. Ruth Richardson