Neighbors,
You might know me as the new millennial legislator from Savage (thanks, MPR). But I want to also tell you a little bit about the work I’ve been doing here at the Capitol since I was sworn in. I hope you will continue to stay involved and keep in touch.

First, I’m serving on the following committees:

• Capital Investment
• Health and Human Services
• Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

In these roles I’ll work to strengthen our community by making improvements to our health care system so that nobody who is diagnosed with a serious illness is prevented from getting the health care they need.
 
I know first-hand, and from heartbreaking stories from my neighbors, how staggering medical bills can be. That’s why I authored legislation to require greater health plan transparency and accountability, co-authored a bill to require diabetes prescription reporting, and co-authored a bill to prohibit health insurance companies from removing coverage of insulin.
 
I’ve devoted my life to caring for people. I am committed to creating a healthier Minnesota, promoting safe communities, investing in education, and making our government more accountable and responsive to people – not lobbyists, special interest groups or large corporations.

One of the first bills that my colleagues and I introduced would ban the destructive practice of conversion therapy. Leading health organizations have agreed there is no scientific evidence to back up its continued use, and Minnesota’s commitment to the highest quality of care leaves no room for this medically negligent practice.
 
Read more from the Star Tribune here.
 
This Week
A bill I co-sponsored requiring automatic voter registration will receive a hearing in the Government Operations committee on Tuesday. We should do everything we can to make voting easier, not harder, so that all eligible Minnesotans can cast their ballot.
 
A bill to prohibit wage theft so employers can’t deny employees the wages and benefits they have rightfully earned will receive a hearing on Wednesday. I am a co-author of this bill because each year, more than 39,000 workers face wage theft by their employers, totaling more than $12 million in stolen wages.
 
Also on Wednesday, an opioid bill I co-sponsor will receive a hearing in the Commerce committee. For too long, government has prioritized big pharma and special interests, and allowed pharmaceutical companies to perpetuate the opioid epidemic. This bill will work to hold them accountable.
 
I hope you will continue to follow along with my work at the state legislature. I work for you, and I want to hear your input. Call my office anytime at 651-296-4212 or email me atrep.hunter.cantrell@house.mn. You can also follow me on Facebook here, and stop by our office in room 421 of the State Office Building.
 
Sincerely,
 Hunter Cantrell