Skip to main content Skip to office menu Skip to footer
Capital IconMinnesota Legislature

Legislative News and Views - Rep. Duane Sauke (DFL)

Back to profile

Putting People First

Tuesday, April 21, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

Even though the COVID-19 pandemic upended some of our plans at the Legislature we are committed to passing legislation that will make life for Minnesotans better. One thing I think we should remember as we move deeper into this crisis is that our responsibility to humanity is greater than our responsibility to the things we have created. I will always look to prioritize the needs of real people, over those of nebulous corporations. Here is how we are putting people first.

House Passes Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act 

Last week, the House voted to pass the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act. After many months of negotiations with Republicans, we finally reached a bipartisan consensus on this important legislation. I’m deeply grateful for the tireless advocacy of those who suffered the most at the hands of the pharmaceutical companies, and who kept up the pressure on lawmakers to get this across the finish line. The final version of the bill ensures those who urgently need a supply of insulin can get one and will require pharmaceutical manufacturers – who have made enormous profits off of the drug as its price has skyrocketed – to reimburse pharmacies for these emergency supplies. The legislation also provides relief for those who need assistance on a longer-term basis by requiring drug makers to create a patient assistance program. If they don’t comply, the companies could be fined up to $3.6 million for the first year, doubling in the second year. You can read the legislation here.

xcbxc

House Passes Bill Allowing Beer & Wine Sales Along with Takeout Orders

Last week, I also voted with my colleagues to approve legislation to allow restaurants with on-sale liquor licenses to sell certain alcoholic beverages with takeout food orders during the current COVID-19 peacetime emergency. Diners can purchase beverages limited to a 750ml bottle of wine or six-pack of beer, wine, cider, or hard seltzer in their unopened, original packaging along with their meal. While this may not be an incredibly significant bill, I hope that it can help ease some of the financial burden restaurants are facing, and provide all of you with more freedom with your take out options.

Governor Walz Opens Some Activities

Governor Walz signed an executive order aimed at easing some of the strain of the stay at home order. This order will allow Minnesotans to engage in a range of activities, including golfing, boating, fishing, hunting, and hiking, as long as they follow outdoor recreation guidelines. These guidelines include maintaining 6-foot social distancing, avoiding crowded areas, and staying close to home. COVID-19 cases are still increasing and we are far from being out of the woods. So please stay safe if you are going to partake in these activities. Other facilities that may reopen or remain open include:

  • Bait shops for live bait
  • Outdoor shooting ranges and game farms
  • Public and private parks and trails
  • Golf courses and driving ranges
  • Boating and off-highway vehicle services, including:
    • Marina services
    • Dock installation and other lake services
    • Boat and off-highway vehicle sales and repair, by appointment only

Campgrounds and dispersed camping, outdoor recreational equipment retail stores, recreational equipment rental, charter boats, launches, and guided fishing remain closed.

As the weather starts to get nicer I hope you can find some time to get outside and enjoy all that Minnesota has to offer.

Unemployment Update

Minnesotans are now eligible for an additional 13 weeks of unemployment insurance benefits if they have reached the end of their benefits. All you have to do is log into your unemployment insurance account, and indicate that you are still unemployed. Here is the unemployment website.

For unemployment insurance for self-employed and contract workers, accessibility to unemployment will likely be up and running by the end of April. No states have implemented these changes yet, and an entirely new state system needs to be built in order to make these benefits accessible. People who are self-employed and contract workers should sign up for benefits now, even though the system will show that you are currently ineligible--signing up now will result in quicker receipt of your unemployment benefits when the system is finished being built. DEED will reach out to you as soon as your benefits are available.

Fight Discrimination and Hate

Xenophobia and racism targeting Asian Americans and Asian people have no place in society and do nothing to prevent viruses and other illnesses from spreading. In fact, these actions only impair our abilities to work together as a community at a crucial time. Infectious diseases can only be fought through solidarity and cooperation, rather than anxiety, stigmatization, and hostility. If you or someone you know faces discrimination you can call the new discrimination hotline at 1-833-454-0148, run by the MN Department of Human Rights. You can also submit an online form.

Stay In Touch

Please feel free to reach out with any questions or comments you may have. You can reach me at (651) 296-9249 or rep.duane.sauke@house.mn. I appreciate your input!

Sincerely,

Duane SaukeState Representative