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Among these included my bill to allow marriage applicants to apply for their license during the peacetime emergency without having to appear in person. The inspiration behind the bill came from two South Minneapolis couples who had appointments to get a marriage license only to have those appointments canceled due to the emergency orders. One couple even had to cancel their wedding. Both couples still wanted to get married even more given the pandemic. You can read more about what will be allowed here.
Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act Passes in House and Senate
Tuesday was also a victory for insulin warriors who have been advocating for this legislation for years, like Nicole Smith-Holt, the mother of Alec Smith, who passed away tragically because he was forced to ration his insulin due to the cost. The Legislature approved a new landmark measure that ensures Minnesotans can access their insulin at a price they can afford.
The Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act will ensure that Minnesotans who cannot afford their insulin and are facing an emergency need can access a 30-day supply at their pharmacy for a co-pay of $35. Eligible Minnesotans include those who are uninsured, under-insured, receiving Medicare and do not have access to low co-pays. The legislation also streamlines the process by which Minnesotans can access affordable insulin in the long-term. Insulin manufacturers would participate in the program and could be fined up to $3.6 million a year, doubling in the second year, for non-compliance.
Governor Walz has signed the bill into law.
Revised Budget Forecasts Amid COVID-19
On Monday, the Ways and Means Committee, on which I serve, heard from Minnesota Management and Budget Commissioner Myron Frans and State Economist Laura Kalambokidis about our economic outlook for the state. No surprise but the outlook is not pretty. IHS Markets, the firm Minnesota hires for our economic forecasts, has changed their GDP projection for the year to a -5.4%. That’s from a previous projection of +2.1, a swing of an astounding 7.5 points. Even with the sharp rebound that they project we won’t be returning to our previous baseline projection next year.
With COVID-19 related expenses rising and revenues slowing, the House is working on securing a new release of Minnesota’s budget forecast to reflect these changes, along with new incoming federal funds. MMB state budget forecasts usually occur twice a year — once in November, and once in February. Read more about what these numbers look like from the nonpartisan office of House Public Information here.
Free Public Transportation for Health Care Workers
The Metropolitan Council announced free transportation to the region’s frontline health care workers for a safe and stress-free trip to and from work. Effective early this week, Metro Mobility will be providing free door-to-door service from home to work and work to home for any person who works at a health care facility, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This new service will provide solo or very small group on-demand rides for essential health care workers such as doctors, nurses, home health aides, clinic staff, janitorial and all other support staff.
If you are a health care worker who used transit to get to work, or are interested in signing up for this free service, learn more here.
UI Update
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development announced today a 13-week extension of Unemployment Insurance. In addition, Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, which will provide unemployment benefits to self-employed individuals, independent contractors, gig workers and others will be operational by end of April. If your UI benefits have been exhausted, you are encouraged to re-apply at DEED’s website.
There are new jobs available even in this current economy. DEED highlights nine positions in various sectors that are hiring now. Check them out here.
Energy Assistance Program Still Accepting Applications
As our communities struggle to cope with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Minnesota Department of Commerce’s Energy Assistance Program still has funds available for help paying their energy bills.
For those who have not already received help this heating season, there is still time. The Department of Commerce especially encourages newly unemployed, households with young children, people with disabilities, veterans, and seniors to apply. To see if you are eligible, click here.
Supporting our Local Girl Scouts’ Efforts to Give Back
Cookies for a Cause is an opportunity for you to purchase delicious and iconic Girl Scout cookies that our local Girl Scouts River Valleys troops will provide to organizations responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Proceeds will also help local Girl Scouts reach their goals to attend summer camp, go on field trips, and work on community-changing service projects and fund Girl Scouts River Valleys’ financial assistance program so they can bring the Girl Scout Leadership Experience to all girls. You can make your online purchase here.
Keep in Touch
Please contact me anytime to let me know how I can be of assistance. I value your input!
Sincerely,
Jim Davnie
State Representative
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