Dear Neighbors,
Activity is picking up; we kicked off the week with an announcement from House Speaker Hortman, Senate Majority Leader Gazelka and Governor Walz of their continued efforts for an orderly end to the legislative session. These committee deadlines will help to lead to an open, transparent process and to ensure decisions will be made in public. Minnesotans expect and deserve an effective state government with elected officials who will complete Minnesotans’ work on time.
Taking Aim at Skyrocketing Prescription Prices
At a Tuesday Health and Human Services Policy Committee hearing, Minnesotans told compelling personal stories about the impact of prescription drug price gouging on our lives. One of the most heartbreaking and infuriating examples of Big Pharma’s greed is the story of Nicole Smith-Holt – a Minnesotan whose son Alec died from diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) because he could not afford his insulin prescription. Her story has been covered extensively in the news locally and nationally.
A bill of which I’m an author requires the Department of Human Services to create a list of essential generic prescription drugs with any costs exceeding $80. This would include drugs covered by Medical Assistance, included in the Minnesota Medicare prescription drug plan, or determined to be essential by the department. If any of these drugs’ costs were to increase exorbitantly, the attorney general would then work with the drug manufacturer or distributor to explain the price increase, and take litigation action if necessary.
Minnesotans deserve access to quality and affordable prescription medication and ought to never have to worry about rationing or even forgoing medication to live.
Fitness Center for our Schools
The National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils (NFGFC) will deliver a state-of-the-art DON’T QUIT! Fitness Center to three schools for demonstrating leadership in getting and keeping their students fit. NFGFC seeks to encourage and reward innovation in the field of youth fitness by awarding fitness centers to schools that use new and unique methods to promote student physical activity and wellness.
School nominations will run through Friday, March 22, 2019. All that is needed in the nomination process is a short application and a written essay or short video. Download your application at http://natgovfit.org/nominate-your-school/.
Stay in Touch
I’ve appreciated hearing from all of you since we started session nearly five weeks ago. Please keep in touch on any state matter of interest. I value your input and welcome your comments and questions anytime.
Sincerely,
Connie Bernardy
State Representative |
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