A legislative update is available in Hmong here, Spanish here, and Somali here.
Neighbors,
We're still in budget negotiations, hoping to come to a compromise with the Republican-led Senate before our planned session adjournment on Monday. We are determined to not sacrifice funding for our schools and health care for those who need it.
Yesterday, we reached bi-partisan agreement to lower the cost of prescription drugs by regulating Pharmacy Benefit Managers, a middleman between drug makers and insurance companies to negotiate prices. This legislation will ensure there is more transparency and accountability in negotiating drug prices.
Agriculture Policy
I'm proud that we were able to come to a bipartisan compromise in the agriculture policy conference committee. I was one of six members from the House and Senate in a committee, and we put together a policy bill to lift up our established and beginning farmers, and invest in Minnesota’s agricultural economy. The bill includes my provisions to help establish the hemp industry. Read more about the bill here.
I've been told it's not often a freshman gets to be in a conference committee. After hours of negotiations, I'm glad to sign my first conference committee report and see bipartisan agreement! It's an honor to be involved in the decision making process and see it through the end.
Elections
While negotiations continue, it's important that we keep pressure on the Senate, and not to lose sight of important legislation, which I co-authored, to keep our elections secure and free from outside interference. The Senate has stubbornly refused to appropriate the full $6.6 million in Help America Vote Act (HAVA) funds, given to Minnesota by the federal government to keep our elections safe from outside interference.
Minnesota is the only state that has not been able to access this funding, while all 49 other states have. Despite this being a bi-partisan issue, Senate Republicans refused to consider an elections bill that would address key election security and improve our voting system. It’s important that we contact senators to let them know this is an issue we care about.
Higher Education
As families in our community and across the state struggle with the rising cost of education, it's important that the Senate follow the House lead in freezing tuition at the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota State System. The cost of tuition has continued to rise, saddling students with insurmountable levels of debt or preventing students who can't afford it from pursuing higher education altogether. Seeking a two or four-year degree and a shot at success shouldn't be limited to those at the very top.
Taxes – Local Government Aid
While income inequality continues to grow in Minnesota, the DFL tax bill closes corporate tax loopholes in order to invest in education and target tax cuts toward working families, seniors, farmers and small businesses. The proposal would lower property taxes and increase local government aid. I've sponsored legislation to increase local government aid because it allows local communities like ours to lower property taxes while funding local infrastructure projects, such as public safety, maintenance on our roads and parks that help our communities thrive. We need a fair tax system that makes investments in everyday working Minnesotans. Let Senators know that local government aid is critical in funding our cities.
Thank you to the SEIU members who came to visit the Capitol to talk about the need for us to maintain funding for the Healthcare Access Fund that helps over a million low-income Minnesotans receive health care!
Keeping Minnesota Seniors Safe
Last week, we approved a package of strong reforms protecting seniors against abuse, neglect, assault, and other maltreatment in Minnesota assisted living facilities. Read more here.
When they move to an assisted living facility, our aging parents, grandparents, relatives, and neighbors deserve the care they need to live with dignity and safety. These protections are long overdue and will improve security and quality of life for our loved ones.
Sincerely,
Samantha Vang
State Representative - 40B
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