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RELEASE: Rep. Dave Baker Statement on Bipartisan Legislation to Address Opioid Epidemic

Monday, May 20, 2019

St. Paul, MN—State Representative Dave Baker, R-Willmar, issued the following statement regarding the adoption of the conference committee report for House File 400 and its anticipated passage later tonight in the House of Representatives:

“This legislation was always about doing what was right for the hundreds and thousands of families across this state that have lost a loved one to addiction. Thanks to the hard work and determination from advocates, survivors, and families, Minnesota has emerged as a national leader in the fight against opioid addiction. Today's vote shows that good, bipartisan work can still take place in St. Paul. I have never been more proud to be a legislator and of the work we accomplished together.

For my family, this journey started when my wife Mary and I lost our beautiful son Dan,” continued Rep. Baker. “Dan was an amazing son, brother, and friend. While nothing will ever fill the void created in our family the day we lost Dan, the work that his life and legacy inspired will help save the lives of thousands of Minnesotans. This is for him.”

The legislation addresses the opioid epidemic by investing significant dollars and resources from registration fees on pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors into both new and proven strategies to address opioid addiction.

House File 400 is expected to pass the House and Senate later this evening and will head to Governor Walz’s desk for his signature later this week.

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