Dear Neighbors,
Tuesday, Governor Tim Walz outlined his two-year proposal for a “Budget for One Minnesota.” The budget is focused on three main themes: a great education for all students, more affordable and accessible health care options, and strong, prosperous communities across the state. The budget shows Governor Walz recognizes how deeply Minnesotans value all of this, no matter the zip code in which someone may live.
To be clear, this is a starting point and I’m going to take some time to dig into all the details, but this will give us an excellent opportunity to build “One Minnesota.”
Hearing at MCF – Stillwater
As part of our efforts to ensure everyone at correctional facilities – whether working there or residing there – can come home safely, our House Corrections Division took the unprecedented step of holding the first ever committee hearing inside of one. It was good to hear from facility leadership including Warden Eddie Miles, DOC Commissioner Paul Schnell, representatives from the correctional officer staff, and a couple of individuals formerly incarcerated to learn about what we can do, together, to improve the climate inside our prisons as well as the outcomes. I’m particularly thankful for the Governor’s proposal in his budget to enhance safety by increasing staffing and for his strategies to reduce recidivism, and I’m committed to delivering these.
Ending Youth Tobacco Use
One of the best strategies we have to improve the health of Minnesotans, and ultimately save lives, is to reduce youth tobacco use. After decades of progress, unfortunately, youth smoking is again on the rise. This is largely due to the emergence of e-cigarettes among young people, who are then more likely to begin using tobacco products.
Several bills are advancing at the Legislature to address this. One would increase the minimum age to purchase tobacco to 21. Communities across the state have considered or approved such a measure already, and this is a proven method to keep kids away from tobacco. Other bills would add e-cigarettes to the definition of smoking under the Minnesota Clean Indoor Air Act, and another would fund services to help Minnesotans quit smoking. I support these initiatives to improve the health of Minnesotans.
Prescription Drug Price Gouging
Too many Minnesotans struggle with high healthcare costs and one of the biggest drivers of this is exorbitant prescription drug prices. Some of these medications are necessary to stay alive. In the case of insulin, the price has tripled over about 15 years. This is absolutely unconscionable and as Big Pharma continues to rake in profits, Minnesotans deserve action to reduce these prices.
One bill would prohibit the practice of prescription drug price gouging. It would enable the Attorney General to investigate and take action if a price is found to be increased at an unconscionable level. This legislation is an important step forward to making health care more affordable for everyone.
Please continue to contact me with your viewpoints, or if I can ever be of assistance. It’s an honor to represent you.
Sincerely,
Jack Considine
State Representative
Rep. Jack Considine
433 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155
www.house.mn/19B
Chair, House Corrections Division
Phone: 651-296-3248
E-mail: rep.jack.considine@house.mn
Legislative Assistant: Adam Kopel, 651-296-4165