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Legislative News and Views - Rep. John Lesch (DFL)

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Capitol Update - April 4, 2019

Thursday, April 4, 2019
Dear Neighbors,
 
It’s been busy here at the State Capitol as we work to strengthen the lives of Minnesotans and make our state work better for everyone. Here’s an update about what’s happening.
 
State of the State Address
 
Last night, Governor Tim Walz delivered his first State of the State address to a joint meeting of the House and Senate. The Governor gave an uplifting, encouraging speech from the heart challenging us to eschew conventional thinking regarding gridlock, and instead work together to deliver results for Minnesotans. He gave voice to the stories of Minnesotans and the challenges they face in areas like health care, education, entrepreneurship, and transportation. I’m committed to joining the Governor as we chart our own path to show the rest of the nation what’s possible when Minnesotans lead the way.

Here I am before the speech with the Honorable Darrin Rosha, a member of the University of Minnesota’s Board of Regents, Rep. Alice Hausman, and Taylor Diles, a master’s student at the U’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs, who is being mentored by Rep. Hausman this session.
 
Minnesota Values Budget

The House DFL has announced the Minnesota Values Budget. Budgets are more than just spreadsheets and numbers -- they’re a reflection of our values and morals. Our budget invests in a state that works better for everyone no matter where you live or what you look like. It is based on the fact that Minnesotans care about their neighbors and want to see them succeed just as much as they do their own families. Our budget includes historic investments in education, funding for a tuition freeze at Minnesota’s public colleges and universities, more affordable and accessible health care, improved transportation infrastructure and more.
 
As chair of the House Judiciary and Civil Law Committee, we’ve put together a budget that removes barriers Minnesotans face as they seek access to justice and to be treated fairly. Our budget increases investments in the courts, public defenders, Department of Human Rights, and more. It also includes a bipartisan initiative to give judges discretion to reduce or waive fines and fees for traffic, parking and minor criminal violations based on financial hardship is included in the budget. Fines and surcharges for a basic traffic ticket can often exceed $100, which is a significant financial hardship for many families. Late fees and collection charges can then lead to driver’s license suspensions and other subsequent consequences like loss of employment and mounting debt. You can learn more about our judiciary budget here.
 
 
Prescription Drug Prices
 
I’m honored to have been appointed by Attorney General Keith Ellison to his Advisory Task Force on Lowering Pharmaceutical Drug Prices. Across the country, Americans are facing a prescription drug pricing crisis. Nearly 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. struggle to afford their prescription drugs, forcing patients to make impossible choices.
 
All Minnesotans should be able to afford the medications they count on to live full, healthy lives, but skyrocketing prices have meant people cut pills in half, ration their insulin, or simply go without what’s been prescribed. This is unacceptable, and I look forward to working with the Task Force to address issues of price gouging, transparency, and interference from middlemen like Pharmacy Benefit Managers. I am committed to ensuring a great quality of life for every Minnesotan without fear of being unable to pay for medications.
 
Please continue to reach out with your ideas, input, or if I can ever be of assistance. It’s an honor to represent our community at the State Capitol.
 
Sincerely,
 
John Lesch
State Representative