Dear Neighbors,
Every year, March 29 is observed in the United States as Vietnam Veterans Day. The date commemorates the day the last U.S. combat troops left Vietnam in 1973.
As we reflect on the sacrifices made by those that served during the Vietnam War, we must think about the cost of those sacrifices. During the Vietnam War:
- Total U.S Troops Killed in Action: 58,319
- Missing in Action: 1,719
- Wounded in Action: 303,635
- One out of every 10 Americans who served in Vietnam was a casualty.
- The average age of a soldier in Vietnam was 19 years old.
- One out of every 10 Americans who served in Vietnam was a casualty.
Please take a moment to thank a veteran this week, it is because of their bravery that we live in the greatest nation on earth.
Rising Gas Prices
A new study released this week found that the surge in gas prices under the failed policies of Biden, Walz, and Democrats will cost the average American household an astonishing $2,000/year. You can read more about this here.
In Minnesota, the House Democrat majority heard a bill in committee this week that would result in even higher gas prices.
The bill, House File 2083, would force California fuel regulations on Minnesotans—raising the cost of gasoline and diesel fuel by 20 cents per gallon in the near term and up to 54 cents per gallon by 2035. This proposal would result in the average Minnesota household having to spend an additional $210 to $570 per year, every single year at the pump.
This is unconscionable and completely tone-deaf at a time when gas prices are already high and so many are struggling to make ends meet.
Bill Hearing in Education Finance Committee
This week, legislation I authored that would authorize nonpublic pupil aid for elementary school guidance and counseling services and extend the aid to students attending American Indian Tribal contract schools received a hearing in the Education Finance Committee.
Under current law, students enrolled in nonpublic schools, or an American Indian-controlled contract or grant school have access to school counseling services in only grades 7-12. These services provide students with school counseling and mental health services and provide referral assistance when necessary.
We know students need school counseling and mental health before grade 7, and we also know the importance of early intervention.
This bill is focused on what is best for students and ensuring that all students have access to these critical services. We can’t afford to wait until a student reaches grade 7 to provide counseling and mental health issues.
ALS Bill Receives House Approval
Last week, the House overwhelmingly approved legislation that provides hope for those suffering from ALS and their caregivers. The bill appropriates $20 million to promote research related to prevention, treatment, causes, and hopefully an eventual cure. It also would appropriate $5 million for families caring for people living with ALS and to provide home medical respite care.
Funding ALS research will go a long way to improving the quality of life of those afflicted with this terrible disease with better treatment options.
House Approves Reinsurance
Last evening, the House approved legislation that reauthorizes a program that helps stabilize the individual health care market—making sure that Minnesotans don’t see double-digit increases in the premiums.
Back in 2017, the individual market was on life support as Obamacare had wreaked havoc causing premiums to skyrocket and choices for consumers to plummet.
The 2017 plan quite literally saved the individual market here in Minnesota.
Reauthorization of the plan this year will continue to provide the stability that Minnesotans need and keep costs under control instead of ballooning to unaffordable levels that will harm individuals across our state.
Staying in Touch
Please be sure to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-6746 or via email at rep.sondra.erickson@house.mn.
Have a good day,
Sondra