Dear Neighbors,
Session has settled into a fairly straightforward routine as we continue to push legislation through the committee process ahead of the bill deadlines beginning in late March and early April. Stay tuned in the next few weeks as things begin to speed up!
Women’s History Month
March is Women’s History Month! I am proud to continue to honor the legacy of so many trailblazers who led the way before me, and I will continue to fight to make the future a better place for all women!
I had the privilege of serving with Neva Walker when I first came to the House. I was impressed with her ability and stamina to carry many controversial bills. She really carried a heavy burden and she did it well.
Here are some of the bills we are working on to improve the lives of women across the state:
Drought Relief
Last week, the House approved a package of legislation that will help livestock farmers, specialty crop producers, and communities harmed by 2021’s historic drought. The funding is targeted to small operations unable to access federal crop insurance, and includes measures ensuring equity in the grant process. Additionally, the legislation helps communities recover from the drought by providing grants to local and tribal governments to replace trees and seedlings killed during the drought and to improve water management. Click here for coverage from MPR.
Hometown Heroes Update
Last week, the House passed a bill to update the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program. Our firefighters face alarmingly high incidences of cancer, cardiac issues, and emotional trauma. The new program, which lawmakers enacted last year, provides firefighters access to education, prevention, and care to address cardiac conditions, emotional trauma or cancer diagnoses. The Hometown Heroes Assistance Program is the most comprehensive in the nation of its kind, and provides firefighters with free access to emotional trauma resources, up-to-$20,000 from critical illness insurance policies, and ongoing health and wellness training.
Prior to the program’s enactment, Minnesota was ranked 45th out of 50 states when it comes to investing in the fire service. I was proud to support this initiative for the heroes in our communities who make incredible sacrifices to keep us safe.
Naloxone Locator
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, drug overdoses have continued to be a major concern. In 2020, a record 678 Minnesotans tragically died as a result of an opioid overdose. Naloxone (a.k.a. Narcan) is a lifesaving medication that can reverse the effects of an overdose.
To help save lives, the Minnesota Department of Human Services has launched a new Naloxone Finder at knowthedangers.org. The map will display pharmacies, naloxone access points, and syringe service programs with naloxone typically available in a designated area. The tool also provides contact information, an address, and other guidance so a person can confirm with the site whether it currently has naloxone available.
An opioid overdose requires immediate medical attention. Please call 911 immediately if you or someone you know exhibits any of the symptoms. Steve’s Law, which the Legislature enacted in 2014, is a Good Samaritan law providing immunity protections to people who call 911 and/or administer naloxone in response to a suspected or known drug overdose.
Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund
There has been a lot of debate at the Capitol around how best to refill the UI Trust Fund. The House DFL’s UI Trust Fund proposal would prevent a 16% tax increase on Minnesota employers, strengthen the Unemployment Insurance program for everyone, and expand eligibility to hourly school workers like bus drivers and cafeteria staff. The main difference between our proposal and the Senate Republican proposal is that ours prioritizes workers, while theirs prioritizes large corporations. For instance under the Senate proposal Walmart would get a $7,890,500 tax cut. These are funds that should go to Minnesotans, not an immensely profitable global corporation.
Stay in Touch
Please feel free to reach out to me by email at rep.sandra.masin@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-3533. If you have a friend, neighbor, or relative who wants to receive updates about the 6
Sincerely,
Sandra Masin
State Representative