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On Tuesday, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed the conference committee report on the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act. The legislation establishes an emergency insulin program for the Minnesotans who need it most, with insulin manufacturers financially participating in the solution.
Alec Smith passed away in 2017 at the age of 26 when he aged off of his parents’ health insurance and was forced to ration his insulin that he could no longer afford, due to its incredibly high cost. Alec’s story is unfortunately not unique, as at least two more Minnesotans have died from insulin rationing since last year’s legislative session. These tragic stories have put a spotlight on the skyrocketing cost of insulin, which has tripled in the last ten years. Studies indicate that 1 in 4 diabetics have resorted to rationing their medication due to the lack of access to affordable insulin.
The Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act will ensure that Minnesota’s diabetics, who cannot afford their insulin and are facing an emergency need, can access a 30-day supply at their pharmacy for a co-pay of $35. Eligible Minnesotans include those who are uninsured, under-insured, receiving Medicare, and who do not have access to low co-pays. The legislation also streamlines the process by which Minnesotans can access affordable insulin in the long-term. Insulin manufacturers would participate in the program and could be fined up to $3.6 million a year, doubling in the second year, for non-compliance.
Alec’s Bill is the product of more than a year of work with patients, health care providers and other stakeholders. It has the backing of organizations representing patients, doctors, nurses and pharmacists, including the AARP, Minnesota Nurses Association, Minnesota Medical Association and Minnesota Pharmacists Association.
Thank you to Nicole Smith-Holt, James Holt, and all the advocates who have contributed to this cause. Sharing their pain made this legislation possible, and all of us who are parents of diabetics are in their debt. House DFLers will continue our efforts to address the high prices of prescription drugs and to hold the pharmaceutical companies accountable.
The legislation can be found here. A video recording of the floor debate can be found here. Governor Walz signed the bill into law on Wednesday.
House and Senate pass COVID-19 package
On Tuesday, the Minnesota House of Representatives and Senate passed HF 4556, a package of COVID-19-related legislation.
This is the fourth package of legislation we have passed in the last month to provide Minnesotans with resources and economic security during this difficult time. We are continuing to adapt to serve the public as we were elected to do.
The legislation includes the following:
- Providing local governments with flexibility through changes to the open meeting law — expanding meeting and voting by “interactive television” through roll-call votes and allowing meeting in someplace other than the normal meeting location during a state of emergency
- Allowing a court to deem that a will has been properly executed, even if one of the statutory requirements has not been met, if a person can show by clear and convincing evidence that the will is the testator’s intent. Allowing for a will to be valid if a mistake while executing it is deemed harmless
- Allowing new Minnesota residents 60 days to use their old license before needing to obtain a new Minnesota license
- Extending the expiration date for medical examiner certificates and waivers
- Providing flexibility in new commercial driver’s licenses
- Requiring reports to Legislature from MnDOT and Met Council on powers exercised during peacetime emergency
- Authorizing the Met Council to use federal funds to purchase protective equipment for Metro Transit employees
- Ensuring Medical Assistance covers COVID-19 testing costs and is available for uninsured individuals who need testing
- Requires federal approval
- Providing authority for MDH Commissioner to set up alternative and temporary health care facilities
- Prohibiting health care providers from denying or limiting reimbursement for coverage of telemedicine services between a licensed health care provider and a patient
- Allowing respiratory therapists to be included in the list of health care providers
- Suspending deadlines in district and appellate courts, including statute of limitations
- Extending the deadline to file a motion to contest the child support cost-of-living adjustment for reasons related to COVID-19
- Allowing local governments to implement procedures to accept marriage licenses during the peacetime emergency by mail, fax, or electronic filing without the need to appear in person
- Extending the time period for those participating in the Farmer-Lender Mediation Act
- Addressing some known problems in our current vehicle registration system. These changes are based on the recommendations of the vehicle registration task force and findings from the Legislative Auditor
- Allowing coroners or medical examiners to access the criminal justice data communications network
- Technical changes and forecast adjustments in Human Services
- Increasing investments in Second Harvest Heartland to support Minnesota’s food banks
- Providing the Department of Revenue with liquor posting discretion
More details can be found here. Governor Walz signed the bill on Wednesday.
Governor Walz expands outdoor recreation opportunities
Governor Walz today issued Executive Order 20-38, which expands allowable outdoor recreational activities. The changes will allow Minnesotans to continue to enjoy the outdoors close to home while following social distancing guidelines.
Executive Order 20-38 allows Minnesotans to engage in a range of activities, including golfing, boating, fishing, hunting, and hiking, as long as they follow new outdoor recreation guidelines. These guidelines include maintaining 6-foot social distancing, avoiding crowded areas, and staying close to home.
Under Executive Order 20-38, facilities that may reopen or remain open include:
- Bait shops for live bait
- Outdoor shooting ranges and game farms
- Public and private parks and trails
- Golf courses and driving ranges
- Boating and off-highway vehicle services, including:
- Marina services
- Dock installation and other lake services
- Boat and off-highway vehicle sales and repair, by appointment only
Campgrounds and dispersed camping, outdoor recreational equipment retail stores, recreational equipment rental, charter boats, launches, and guided fishing remain closed.
Minnesotans should continue to take part in outdoor activities close to their primary residence. Staying home helps protect Minnesotans from spreading COVID-19 and limits pressure on rural medical facilities and essential supplies.
These new provisions will go into effect on Saturday, April 18 at 5:00 am.
House and Senate pass legislation allowing takeout wine and beer
Today, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed legislation to allow takeout sales of beer and wine from bars and restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The legislation allows bars and restaurants with liquor licenses to sell up to 72 ounces – the equivalent of one six-pack – of beer, cider or hard seltzer and up to 750 milliliters of wine – the equivalent of one bottle – with food orders. The alcoholic beverages must be sold in their original, unopened containers.
DFLers will continue efforts to get our economy up and running without putting Minnesotans’ lives at risk, and today’s legislation is an example of that. House DFLers are continuing to work on solutions to ensure Minnesotans can make ends meet during the pandemic and beyond.
The Senate passed the bill yesterday and Governor Walz is expected to sign it today.
Contact me
My office will continue to be a resource to find answers to your questions and provide updates about the status of this public health crisis. Please reach out if I can be of assistance and consider sharing this email with your neighbor or relatives. If you know of anyone who would appreciate these updates, please let them know they can subscribe to my email list here.
House staff are tele-commuting in order to comply with public health guidance, so if you call my office at 651-296-7026, please be prepared to leave a voicemail message. You can also send an email to rep.ryan.winkler@house.mn.
Despite receiving a high volume of communication in recent days, I will respond to your messages as soon as possible. Thank you to everyone for doing your part in fighting the spread of COVID-19.
Sincerely,
Rep. Ryan Winkler
House Majority Leader
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