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Dear neighbors,
Happy New Year! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season with family and friends.
Federal Government Takes Steps to Address Youth Tobacco Use
In late December, the federal government passed bipartisan legislation to raise the tobacco sales age. It’s now illegal for retailers to sell tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and vaping devices, to anyone under the age of 21. In addition, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced that it will ban many of the e-cigarette flavors that Juul and other tobacco companies use to get people hooked on their products.
While this is great news, there’s more work to be done. In Minnesota, state law and many city ordinances state that the tobacco sales age is 18. This discrepancy is confusing for businesses. Some retailers have adopted the new policy, but others have yet to comply. In Eagan, for example, several shops are still selling tobacco products to people under 21 according to a WCCO report. Local and state law enforcement agencies can’t stop them because they aren’t responsible for enforcing federal laws. The proposed flavor ban has several gaps that the tobacco industry could exploit. The plan that I’ve introduced with my House DFL colleagues would raise the tobacco sales age statewide, close the loopholes in the federal flavor ban, and take additional steps to protect kids and teenagers.
New Laws Take Effect
A few notable laws that we passed last year took effect on January 1, including legislation that increases oversight and transparency requirements for pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). These pharmaceutical middle men play a significant role in driving up the price of prescription drugs. An overview of the new laws is available here. In 2020, the House DFL will continue to work on additional bills to address the out-of-control increases in prescription drug costs, including bills to create an emergency insulin program (HF 485), improve prescription drug price transparency (HF 1246), and stop price gouging (HF 4).
Be a Voter in the 2020 Presidential Primary
For the first time since 1992, Minnesotans will participate in a presidential primary rather than a caucus. No matter what your party affiliation is, it’s important to cast your vote! The presidential primary will take place on Tuesday, March 3, with early voting beginning on Friday, January 17. Please take a few minutes to check if you’re registered and make a voting plan. You can update your voter registration status, order an absentee ballot, and find your polling place here.
Eagan News: Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety Update
After the tragic accident on Diffley Road, Eagan residents stepped up and demanded change. Community members packed city and county meetings, and we’re already seeing results. The Dakota County Board of Commissioners voted to establish a school zone speed limit for Diffley Road, lowering the speed limit from 45 MPH to 30 MPH when children are present. Signs were installed before students returned to school after the holidays. More information about these changes is available here.
While Diffley Road will remain a top priority, there are safety and accessibility issues throughout Eagan and Dakota County. If you haven’t taken my pedestrian and bike safety survey, please take a few minutes to complete it and don’t hesitate to share it with others. I appreciate your input.
Eagan Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety Advocacy Workshop
If you’d like to learn more about how you can help create a more walkable and bikeable community, I encourage you to attend Bike Minnesota’s upcoming Eagan Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety Advocacy Workshop. Click here to learn more and RSVP.
When: Thursday, January 16 from 6:30-8:30pm
Where: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Conference Center, 1750 Yankee Doodle Road, Eagan, Minnesota 55121
Please continue to share your thoughts on these issues and others that are important to you. You can reach me at rep.laurie.halverson@house.mn or 651-296-4128.
Sincerely,
Laurie Halverson
State Representative
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