Dear Neighbors,
In the House, I’m working with my DFL colleagues to deliver on a package of bills designed to make day-to-day living more affordable. Housing, child care, health care, you name it, we have a plan to bring costs down for you and your family. While Republicans are fixated on bringing Donald Trump’s tax breaks for the wealthy to Minnesota, we’re working on legislation that directly improves your standard of living.
Meanwhile, Trump has dragged us all into an immoral, illegal, and expensive war with Iran. We are facing immense domestic economic issues yet he would rather spend billions on a war no American asked for. Now gas prices are rising, putting a dent in your wallet. Trump’s war has also claimed the life of fellow Minnesotan Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor. Nicole was just days from returning home. She answered the call to serve and I want to thank her for her exemplary service, she has made Minnesota proud.
Continuing Work to Strengthen Data Privacy
It seems that everyday there is a new attack on your data privacy. While my data privacy protection bill has proven itself effective in the early days of its implementation, there will always be more to do. That’s why I brought forward a bill to guarantee that consumer health data is a form of sensitive data that is protected under the act. This is to include protections for wearable devices like fitness trackers which have proliferated in recent years but don’t have strong protections.
Fraud Update
My proposal to address the IT modernization challenges that enable fraud is gaining bi-partisan support. The House Tax Committee heard testimony from the Counties earlier this week about the severe impact that this is having on their operations and our property taxes.
Gun Violence Prevention
The Public Safety Committee heard a bill to ban assault rifles and a bill to ban high capacity magazines. Neither received a Republican vote so they won’t move forward at this time. I believe this is an issue that should go beyond politics. The lives of our children and grandchildren are at stake, and there is nothing more precious. I encourage you to watch the testimony of the parents who lost their daughter on that tragic day. I will continue to fight to pass these common sense reforms.
Constituent Page
Two weeks ago one of our very own Bloomington residents served as a House Page. Thank you to Mia Nguyen for your service and hopefully we’ll see more of you at the Capitol in the future!
Keep in Touch
Don’t hesitate to reach out if I can provide any assistance. Please follow me on my Facebook page for further updates and invite your friends and family to do so as well.
Thanks for the honor of representing you at the Capitol.
Sincerely,
Steve Elkins
Representative, District 50B
Minnesota House of Representatives
rep.steve.elkins@house.mn.gov