Legislative Update - March 6, 2020

Dear neighbor,

In the last two weeks, the DFL-led House has stuck to our promises and passed bold legislation that will improve Minnesotans' lives. More on that, and some helpful information on the Coronavirus, below. 

Holding Insulin Manufacturers Accountable

We need to hold insulin manufacturers accountable for the outrageous, skyrocketing price of the drug that thousands of Minnesotans need to survive. One in four diabetics report rationing their insulin because of the cost, which puts lives in danger. 

The bill the House passed meets the goals of ensuring Minnesotans have emergency access to insulin and access to affordable insulin over the long-term. It holds pharmaceutical companies accountable by requiring them to participate in funding the program, and it can be set up quickly. You can read about the legislation here. Now the bill goes to the Republican-led Senate. 

Gun Violence Prevention

Last week, we voted on two gun violence prevention measures: a Red Flag bill and universal background checks. It’s time to do something about America’s epidemic of senseless gun violence and mass shootings. Both of these laws are working well in many other (both red and blue) states and are supported by law enforcement, health professionals, and the vast majority of the public.

Minnesotans have been loud and clear that they want us to take action to address senseless gun violence. Senate Republicans should listen to Minnesotans and join the DFL-led House in supporting common-sense gun violence prevention measures.

Discipline Disparities

If children aren't in class, they cannot learn. Yet Black students are 8X, and Indigenous students 10X more likely to be dismissed from class than white students, which sets them at a greater and greater disadvantage to their other classmates. My bill to close Minnesota's significant disparity in the discipline of students has been advancing through the committee process.  My bill would require alternatives to suspension, including counseling. You can learn more about my bill from KARE11 here. 

Coronavirus

Everyone seems to be talking about Coronavirus, or COVID-19, the respiratory disease that was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China and which has now been detected in 50 locations internationally, including cases in the United States. 

Reported illnesses have ranged from mild to severe symptoms, including fever, cough and shortness of breath. The CDC believes at this time that symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure. 

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The CDC recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• If possible, avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
  • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
  • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.
  • The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. 

For up to date information on COVID-19, please visit the Minnesota Department of Health’s website:  https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/index.html

And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

If you have any questions about the virus, please feel free to reach out to my office at rep.kaohly.her@house.mn or 651-296-8799. 

Community Highlights

It was good to see Tedi and Amy again. Teri shared how she suffers many similar symptoms as people with autism but can not access medical marijuana. She hopes we pass legislation to make marijuana more accessible.

Glad to join these pharmacists in advocating for drug pricing transparency. 

Learned all about beer distribution with Brewery Owners for Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild Day at the Capitol.

It was wonderful meeting with Backcountry Hunters and Anglers members. It is the fast-growing national sporting conservation organization with a Minnesota chapter of 1,700 members, spread across the state. They advocate for access to our public lands and waters, oppose privatizing or degrading them, and support strong hunting ethics. 

Remember you can also follow along with my work at the legislature on my official Facebook page here. 

Have a great weekend!

Sincerely,

Rep. Kaohly Her