Legislative Update- May 12, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

Although our way of life looks different this year, I hope you and your family were able to enjoy a safe and happy Mother’s Day over the weekend.

Less than a week remains in the 2020 legislative session. Our constitutionally required date to adjourn is May 18. A lot has happened since I last wrote. My colleagues and I continue to work day in and day out with the Senate and Governor’s office to find strategies and solutions for Minnesotans struggling economically under the pandemic. Read more below about the initiatives we’ve passed and are advancing.

COVID-19 Economic Security Act

We are investing in Minnesotans so everyone can make it through the COVID-19 public health crisis. I recently voted for the COVID-19 Economic Security Act, a package of legislation that would help Minnesotans keep a roof over their heads, preserve their small businesses, access broadband, and care for vulnerable people during the pandemic. You can read more about the relief package here. 

Guaranteeing Pay for Hourly School Workers 

Many hourly school workers are facing financial uncertainty because of the transition to distance learning. Last week, we passed legislation to ensure paraprofessionals, nutrition services staff, bus drivers, and other hourly school employees get paid through the end of the school year. These workers are still providing valuable services and support to our students, and they deserve to be compensated for their work. More information about this bill is available here.

Tobacco 21

Over the weekend, the Minnesota House approved legislation that raises the age for Minnesotans to purchase tobacco, tobacco products, electronic delivery devices, and other nicotine products, to 21. The federal government passed Tobacco 21 into law in December of 2019, which meant the minimum age required to legally purchase tobacco products increased from 18 to 21 for the entire country. Some retailers, however, have expressed confusion and insisted they will not comply until they see the change made at the state level. I was glad to support the bipartisan measure, which is on its way to the Governor’s desk for his signature. 

Securing our Elections

Last week, we passed a bill with broad bipartisan support to protect the health and safety of election officials, judges, and voters during this year’s elections. The bill allows our state to use federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA) funds to prepare for increased absentee voting, open new polling locations, purchase sanitation and disinfectant supplies, and provide public outreach. HAVA funds will also be used to protect our election system from hackers and foreign interference.

Prescription Drug Price Transparency Act

I voted over the weekend to support a bill that addresses the skyrocketing prices of prescription drugs. The Prescription Drug Pricing Transparency Act provides price transparency for three categories of drugs: existing drugs, new drugs and newly acquired drugs. Manufacturers must report drug pricing information for drugs that exceed certain thresholds or increase by a certain percentage over a 12 or 24-month period. The Minnesota Department of Health would post this information on a public website in an easily accessible and clear format. Drug manufacturers are currently not subject to the same price transparency regulation as hospitals, providers and health plans. In other words, they need to justify raising prices unreasonably. 

Keep in Touch

Please contact me anytime at rep.connie.bernardy@house.mn. I appreciate your questions and input. 

Thank you for the honor of representing our communities at St. Paul!

Sincerely,

Connie Bernardy

State Representative