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Koznick Connection: Legislative Update (February 20, 2020)

Thursday, February 20, 2020

Dear Lakeville Neighbors,

Lawmakers are back in St. Paul as the 2020 legislative session started last Tuesday afternoon. During the first-floor session of the year, we took time to honor the three Minnesota National Guardsmen who died tragically in a helicopter accident outside of St. Cloud in December.

Please be sure to keep the families of Chief Warrant Officer James Rogers, Jr., Chief Warrant Officer 2 Charles Nord, and Sgt. Kort Plantenberg in your prayers.

Improving Security and Rider Safety

A key priority this session is improving security and rider safety at Metro Transit. For too long, Metro Transit has neglected this issue—resulting in Metro Transit turning into one of the least safe transit systems in the country.

The data reflects the public's perception of the issues at Metro Transit as detailed in a report from KARE 11 revealing that 2019 saw an all-time high in serious crimes committed on the light rail system. (see the link for a KARE 11 story)

Put simply, we must put an end to the culture of crime tolerance at Metro Transit and equip law enforcement with the tools they need to make sure Minnesotans and their families are safe when using public transportation.

That’s why I am the chief author of legislation that would increase enforcement of fare evasion at Metro Transit, establish a new Transit Enforcement Agent position at Metro Transit, and install interactive cameras on light rail platforms. My legislation provides, real, tangible solutions to address these security problems while empowering law enforcement to do their jobs to their best abilities.

This legislation is part of a package of proposals aimed at improving safety in communities across Minnesota. While my portion focuses on light-rail and transit safety, other proposals focus on reducing gang activity and drug trafficking.

We have had concerns about light rail and bus security for several years, and I’m encouraged that Metro Transit has started to publicly acknowledge some of these issues. In the past, they have mostly provided lip service or shrugged off these concerns. We are at a near-crisis mode that is damaging to the Metro Transit brand and the image of the region!

I am optimistic our concerns will result in improved measures this session because nobody should be afraid to use transit and fear becoming the next victim.

Bonding Bill

We anticipate a bonding bill of some sort will be considered this year. Historically, legislative sessions held in even-numbered years is when bonding bills are presented. These pieces of legislation allow the state to borrow money to pay for a wide variety of projects across the state.

Unfortunately, some members have turned the bonding bill into one big “pork barrel”—using the bill to fund their pet projects. Some justify it as bringing tax funds back and “getting our fair share.”

Projects eligible for bonding dollars are required by the Minnesota Constitution to be for a public purpose and to be publicly owned. Generally, funding should be for projects to build or improve public infrastructure and usually have regional impact. Meat and potato projects like water treatment plants, roads, bridges, and capital improvements at colleges in the MNSCU system should be the focus.

For any bill to receive my support, it must be heavily focused on public infrastructure and not include any Washington D.C. style “pork” projects.  The city of Lakeville does not currently have any bonding projects in its legislative agenda.

Insulin Accessibility 

There’s been a lot of news coverage and chatter centered around insulin accessibility and affordability. Democrats and Republicans have met over the summer to find common ground on legislation that would provide affordable insulin to specific groups of people who are unable to purchase the lifesaving product.

So far, no deal has been struck between Democrats and Republicans on this issue, but there are several ways folks can get help if they need it.

First and foremost, if you are a diabetic in crisis, I urge you to call 911 or set up an appointment with your doctor or care team. No medical decisions should be made without direct consultation from those folks.

Last year, the legislature enacted a new law that prevents insurers from profiting from insulin. This change along with reforms to the Pharmacy Benefits Managers (PBMs)—which included requiring insurers to pass along rebates for insulin to consumers—has helped lower costs.

Further, insurers on the individual market announced this summer that they would cap the costs of insulin at $25 or less for a month’s supply. These changes were for fully insured plans, both on the individual market and in the small group market. 

Additionally, each of the three major insulin manufacturers provides programs that offer free or reduced-cost insulin to individuals that struggle to afford the product.

Minnesota’s public health care programs, Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare offer incredibly generous insulin coverage, usually providing the products for free or at a significantly reduced rate. 

Finally, there are numerous free discount programs offered by companies like GoodRx, InsideRX, and Blink Health.

Please speak with your doctor if you have any questions about these options.

Staying in Touch

It is a pleasure to have many of you come visit and share your concerns.  This week I was reminded of the importance of being an organ donor by two wonderful ladies whose generous children are donors and their memories live on, supporting others’ lives.  

Please continue to reach out to my office if you have any questions or concerns regarding state government.

Follow my Twitter or official Facebook for more frequent snapshots.

Jon Koznick

Assistant Minority Leader
State Representative, Lakeville, 58A