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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Alice Mann (DFL)

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End of Session Update

Wednesday, May 29, 2019

Neighbors,

Session has officially adjourned, after many months of working together to find common ground on a budget that will benefit all Minnesotans. The House DFL successfully worked to secure health care access for 1.2 million Minnesotans and made strong investments in public education. 
 

Here are some additional highlights that I'm particularly proud of. 

Fighting for our community
Minnesota has one of the only divided legislatures in the country, and our bipartisan cooperation should be an example for Washington to look up to. Working with my colleagues, I was also able to pass my bills to: 
  • Decrease healthcare fees for families with kids with disabilities 
  • Secure funding for the statewide tobacco quit help program
  • Increase the reimbursement rates for doula services to improve maternal outcomes 
  • Demand transparency from pharmacy benefit managers and decrease the cost of prescription drugs 
  • Establish the Chloe Barnes Rare Disease Advisory Council of MN to help families struggling with life changing diagnosis
As a caucus, we were able to: 
  • Strengthen funding for schools and protect Pre-K classes 
  • Protect access to affordable health care for 1.2 million Minnesotans
  • Enact the nation's toughest wage theft prevention and enforcement law
  • Help ensure students can afford Minnesota's public colleges and universities
  • Hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for the opioid epidemic by requiring them to contribute to a solution for the crisis they profited from
  • Invest in bringing broadband access to every corner of the state
  • Provide for elder abuse prevention in assisted living facilities, with enforceable safeguards for residents
  • Double the standard deduction to $24,000, which will simplify the tax process and result in a 7% tax cut for the median family income


Metro Mobility
I'm also proud that I sent to the Governor's office my bill to expand affordable door-to-door public transportation service to Lakeville for riders who are unable to use regular fixed-route buses due to disability or a health condition. Metro Mobility will give the elderly and people with disabilities the life-changing ability to live independently. As a physician, I've seen first-hand the challenges people face going to see their doctor, getting to the grocery store, and engaging in civic life. 

We still have work to do, but the budget we passed this session is a good start to improving the lives of Minnesotans. It's been an honor to serve you and bring your priorities to the Capitol, and I hope you'll continue to stay in touch. 

Sincerely,

Rep. Alice Mann