Neighbors,

I hope you're enjoying the fall weather and having a good start to the school year! Though we won't be officially back in session until February, the House has a lot going on both in and outside the Capitol. 

Insulin and Prescription Drugs 

I want to say thank you to everyone who came out to our event in Burnsville focused on bringing down the cost of insulin and prescription drugs. My House colleagues and I are advocating to create an emergency insulin program by passing the Alec Smith Emergency Insulin Act, and it's because of stories like the ones we've heard in community conversations that we're fighting so hard to get it done before we head back to session. 

One story that stuck with me from our event was Carolyn's. She worked for 30 years, and was promised healthcare security in retirement, only to be forced out of retirement to drive for Door Dash because the cost of her medication kept rising. Thousands of Minnesotans have stories just like hers - We are all just one diagnosis away from a paralyzing medical bill. We are all in the same boat. That’s why we need to pass the Alec Smith Emergency Insulin Act and bring down the cost of prescription drugs - We can’t let Big Pharma continue to take advantage of people facing illnesses in our state. 

After the four meetings we held in Burnsville, St. Cloud, Richfield, and Shorewood, we're ready to hold an official hearing at the Capitol. 

Climate Action

I fully support the young people around the world who took part in the Youth Climate Strike. I'm excited to announce that I joined the new House Climate Caucus and look forward to working together to fight for Minnesotans of all ages who are demanding we take action to protect their future. Climate change is one of the top issues that I hear about in our community. It's encouraging to see people from across the state organizing in their communities and urging legislators to take action.

Be Heard on Cannabis

There are some great opportunities coming up for folks in our community to speak up about their thoughts on legalizing cannabis for adult use. Cannabis is a potential alternative to opioids for people facing chronic pain, and a responsible regulatory framework would allow law enforcement to focus on more dangerous crimes.

We want to hear what Minnesotans think, which is why we launched statewide Community Conversations on Cannabis to hear from people in every corner of our state. You can sign up for updates, take the Speaker’s cannabis survey, and find a community conversation near you at a new website here. Below are a few of the meetings that are coming up soon. 

Mental Health

It was an honor to attend the groundbreaking for the Savage Intensive Residential Treatment Development last week! I look forward to continuing to support their mission to close the gaps our community experiences in access to mental health care.

ICYMI: Savage is a finalist for Minnesota Monthly's "Best Town" so make sure you cast your vote before Sept. 30! Win or lose, this is a well-deserved honor for Savage, and I'm so honored to be able to serve Burnsville and Savage in the House!

Please let me know if you have comments or questions - What do you want me to be working on ahead of next year's session? Let me know! 

Sincerely,

Rep. Hunter Cantrell