Dear neighbors,
The latest session of the Minnesota Legislature began just over a month ago. It is a great honor to be back representing the people of District 5A and to be a voice for you and all Northern Minnesota communities in St. Paul.
Lots of Minnesota values are rolled up into the bills we’re seeing in the legislature this session. A full list of all the bills that have been introduced is available here, and you can read summaries and search for specific bills here. See here for a list of the bills that I’m carrying.
I am proud to serve as the Chair of the Environment and Natural Resources Policy Committee. I also serve on Environment and Natural Resources Finance, Greater Minnesota Jobs and Economic Development, Labor, and Veterans and Military Affairs Finance and Policy.
You can find a full list of committees and more information here. The webpage for each committee contains video and audio of past hearings, as well as schedules and information for future meetings.
Prescription Drug Prices
Some of you may be familiar with the tragic story of Alec Smith, a young Minnesotan who died due to rationing his insulin. Like Alec, thousands of Minnesotans struggle to afford the prescriptions they need to keep themselves and their families healthy. The prices of prescription drugs continue to rise, making it increasingly difficult for Minnesotans, especially retired ones, to afford their medication. House File 4 would prohibit drug manufacturers from dramatically increasing the price of medication. This legislation is an important step towards making health care more affordable for everyone.
Wage Theft
Minnesotans deserve every penny in wages and benefits for time worked, but more than 39,000 workers face wage theft each year. Wage theft comes in a variety of forms, from an employer encouraging workers to clean up after they’ve clocked out, withholding tips, or simply not paying their employees at all. Workers often fear losing their jobs if they speak out. House File 6 would support workers experiencing wage theft and improve enforcement of wage laws.
Broadband
House File 7 is a plan to invest $70 million in border-to-border high-speed broadband. Homes, schools, and businesses in greater Minnesota are currently unserved or underserved by broadband internet. We must expand access to broadband so students can take advantage of educational opportunities and businesses can participate in the global economy.
Stay Connected
I encourage you to contact me with questions and feedback on any legislative issues. You can always reach me by email at rep.john.persell@house.mn or phone at 651-296-5516.
If you plan on visiting the Capitol, please contact my legislative assistant Kevin Petrie at kevin.petrie@house.mn or 651-296-9467 so he can set up a meeting.
Sincerely,
John Persell
State Representative