This article was originally posted on 02-21-2020

Legislative Update February 21, 2020

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Legislators have returned to St. Paul for the 2020 legislative session. It's a new year, but Minnesotans' values and the values that guide my work at the Capitol haven't changed. We know that Minnesotans care about each other and want to see one another succeed.

2020 Minnesota Values Plan: Build a state that works better for everyone

I'm committed to building a better future for all Minnesotans. We can do more to provide a world-class education, affordable health care, economic security, and safe and inclusive communities for all Minnesotans. We will continue our efforts to make this better future a reality for all.

Our 2020 Minnesota Values Plan includes the following priorities:

World-class schools — House DFLers believe every child in Minnesota deserves a great start, and are working to close the opportunity gap and invest in early care and learning.

Affordable, accessible health care — House DFLers are working to pass long-overdue legislation to provide affordable insulin and reduce the price of prescription drugs.

Economic security — House DFLers are working to provide paid family and medical leave and earned safe and sick time to all Minnesotans.

Safe and inclusive communities — House DFLers are working to enact common-sense gun violence prevention legislation including criminal background checks on all gun sales and extreme risk protection orders. We are working to deliver investments in communities across the state through local jobs & projects. And the House DFL will continue to advocate for bold action on climate, including a 100% clean energy standard.

Climate Action
This week I attended a press conference with the Minnesota House Climate Action Caucus alongside youth activists and labor leaders to introduce a number of new investments designed to address the climate crisis. I have been hearing from many of you about the urgent need to address climate change. These new investments will enable Minnesotans to participate directly in solutions that address the climate crisis. The solutions focus on energy efficiency, solar, transportation, and environmental projects.




Precinct Caucuses
Next Tuesday, February 25th, is Precinct Caucus Day. While Minnesota will be holding a presidential primary election on March 3rd, this year, the precinct caucuses are still the best way to connect with fellow Minnesotans and to get involved in this year's elections, at all levels. Participants in the caucuses will elect your party leadership and consider resolutions for changes to party platforms. The best way to find where your Caucus is with the Secretary of States precinct Caucus finder tool, access it here. All Caucuses begin at 7:00pm.

Emergency access to insulin hearing
The skyrocketing cost of prescription drugs is forcing too many people to make impossible decisions: Do I pay for groceries, or my medication? One of the most prominent examples of price gouging we've seen is insulin, a drug that diabetics need to stay alive the same way you and I need water and air. I was able to listen to the stories of families and patients that have to deal with this crisis on a daily basis when the State Government Finance Division heard the Emergency Insulin bill (HF 3100.) This bill will serve as a critical safety net for those who can't afford the insulin they need to survive.

Please, Stay In Touch!

If you have a personal story, idea, or question related to business at the State Capitol, please get in touch. You can reach me by email at rep.sandra.masin@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-3533. If you have a friend, neighbor, or relative who wants to receive updates about the Legislature, let them know they can subscribe to my email list here. It's an honor to represent our community. Please stay in touch.

Sincerely,

Sandra Masin
State Representative
 

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