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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Laurie Halverson (DFL)

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Legislative Update - March 23, 2015

Monday, March 23, 2015
Dear friends,
 
EpiPen Auto-Injector Authorization Bill
EpiPens are a life saving line of defense against common food allergies and bee stings, but for some, they aren’t always available at the time of need. That’s why I am co-authoring a bill that would allow schools, preschools, daycare centers, summer camps, and other institutions to administer an EpiPen shot in case of a severe allergic reaction. The bill would require that those who would be administering the shot complete a nationally certified training course in order to know how to recognize the symptoms of an allergic reaction and how to properly administer the shot. This legislation could be life-saving as often there is little time after a severe reaction to administer an EpiPen.
 
Behind the Scenes
Did you know that any Minnesota citizen can have a profound impact on State Government? Constituent involvement is a cornerstone of our political process, but unfortunately, not many people realize how easy it is to get involved in public policy. All House legislation travels through an extensive committee hearing and floor session process, all of which is viewable to the public. Constituents are invited at any time to give testimony on bills that are moving through committees and to meet with their legislator to discuss their views. Information on schedules and individual bills is available online at: http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/.
 
Many constituent groups host “days at the Capitol” to raise awareness for particular issues and encourage people to get in touch with their legislator. Last week, the disability community had their day on the hill, and over 1,000 advocates met with 160 legislators to ask for a 5% rate increase for Home and Community-Based Services in 2015 and 2016. They hosted a big rally of support to raise awareness for the 5% campaign and invited legislators and members of the public.
 
Faces of Disability
Speaking of citizen involvement, I recently hosted a “Faces of Disability” poster as part of the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities exhibit to raise awareness about the many Minnesotans who live with a disability. The exhibit demonstrated the impact that the Medical Assistance program has on people’s lives and generated excitement for reform legislation. This effort encouraged legislators to speak with leadership to help advance the bill through the committee process with adequate funding. This another great example of a citizen-led effort for change in public policy.
 
The GET JOBS Job Fair
Local employers will be recruiting for hundreds of entry level to professional jobs this Thursday, March 26 from 11:00am to 4:00pm at the Eagan Civic Arena (3870 Pilot Knob Rd). The job fair is free and Spanish, Hmong, Somali and American Sign Language interpreters will be available from 11:00pm to 3:00pm. View a full list of job fair exhibitors and their websites here.
 
I encourage you to get involved! Please contact me anytime with your input. I can be reached by phone at (651) 296-4128 or by email rep.laurie.halverson@house.mn. As always, thank you for the honor of serving you at the Capitol.
 
Best,
 
 
 Laurie Halverson