Dear Neighbors,
We’ve been busy making progress towards making Minnesota a better place for all Minnesotans these last two weeks. It has been a great start to the 2020 session and we are closing week four with a lot of momentum. Here is just a little of what we’ve been up to recently.
Gun Violence Prevention Bills Passed
Last week I voted with my colleagues to pass two common sense gun laws. It’s time to take action to put an end to America’s epidemic of senseless gun violence and mass shootings. Firearms are the leading cause of death for children and teens in Minnesota. This fact is intolerable. These two bills would expand criminal background checks on all gun sales (HF 8) and establish extreme risk protection orders (ERPO, HF 9). Criminal background checks on all gun sales are already required in 21 states, including GOP controlled states, and the District of Columbia. States that have taken this approach have experienced lower homicide rates, lower firearm suicide rates, and less firearm trafficking.
Breast Cancer Bill
I recently introduced Legislation (HF 3322) that expands access to breast or cervical cancer treatment. Specifically, this bill removes barriers to treatments to be paid for people who have been screened by the CDC and the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. Approximately 4,670 Minnesota women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year and 630 will die from the disease. About 140 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer. We want every one of those Minnesota women to have the best chance possible to survive the disease.
House Passes Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act
Too many Minnesotans suffering from diabetes are forced to choose between getting the medicine they need and paying their bills. That’s why I’m proud to share with you that I proudly voted with my colleagues to pass the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act. Alec’s bill is a combination of great ideas from both Democratic and Republican proposals which will ensure that Minnesotans have emergency access to insulin and affordable insulin over the long-term. This bill passed with bipartisan support and I am committed to working with the Senate to make sure it is signed into law so it can save lives.
ERA
Just last year about this time I stood proudly on the House floor and advocated for adding a measure on the 2020 ballot letting Minnesota voters decide whether to alter the state’s Constitution to affirm people have equal rights regardless of gender. It was a proud moment for me to rally with women of the Senate this week, sending the message to the Senate that now is the time to pass this legislation.
Paid Family & Medical Leave Passes
All Minnesotans deserve the ability to take time to care for themselves and their loved ones without fear of losing their job or their economic security. The last thing folks who are going through a major life event should have to think about is whether they’ll be able to continue pay their bills or not. This is one of many factors I considered when I chose to join my colleagues in passing Paid Family & Medical Leave (HF 5) for all Minnesotans. No one should be forced to choose between family, health, and their job. This bill would go a long way towards ensuring no one will have to make that choice again.
POCI Caucus Announces Legislative Agenda
Last week I joined my fellow members of the People of Color and Indigenous Caucus at a press conference to announce our legislative priorities for the 2020 session.
Minnesotans of color face a terrible amount of inequities throughout many aspects of their lives. These inequities place an undue burden on communities of color which often leads to devastating long-term consequences. That’s why the POCI Caucus is introducing legislation to confront the opportunity gaps in education, address disparities in health outcomes, promote jobs and economic security for all Minnesotans, and advance criminal justice reform and civil rights for all.
As an educator I know how important it is that the diversity of our teachers reflect the diversity of our students if we are to truly have a chance at closing this achievement gap. This session, I am working to pass two bills that I have chief authored, (HF 824 and HF 3201). They will significantly increase the percentage of teachers of color and indigenous teachers in our schools, and increase resources for recruiting, training, and retaining these teachers. You can learn more about these efforts here.
Apply for a REAL ID as soon as possible
Beginning Oct. 1, 2020, Minnesotans will not be able to use their standard driver’s license or ID card to board domestic flights or enter certain federal facilities. Instead, Minnesotans will need a REAL ID, enhanced driver’s license or ID card, passport or passport card or another acceptable form of identification for federal purposes.
If you want to receive a REAL ID prior to this deadline, the Department of Public Safety is urging Minnesotans to submit applications no later than June 15, 2020. To save time and make sure you have everything you need before you visit a driver’s license office, you can pre-apply online at realid.dps.mn.gov.
Minnesotans who have questions or concerns about the status of their license or ID card can contact DVS at dvs.driverslicense@state.mn.us or 651-297-3298. Include your full name and date of birth with your question in the email.
Keep In Touch
That's all for now - as always, please reach out with comments and questions at rep.mary.kuneshpodein@house.mn or 651-296-4331.
Sincerely,
Mary KP