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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Mary Kunesh-Podein (DFL)

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First Day of Fall Update

Monday, September 23, 2019
Mary Kunesh-Podein

First Day of Fall Update 

Neighbors,

Happy first day of fall! The House DFL is hitting the road this month, hosting events focused on insulin and cannabis. Also see below for information on the House Page Program. 

Before I get to that, though, I have exciting news! On September 16, Governor Walz held a ceremony to sign my bill creating a Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Task Force into law, and we held our first meeting immediately after. I am confident that we will be able to bring clarity to questions and bring credible recommendations to end this heartbreaking historic trauma to our American Indian communities. If you want to learn more there's a video available here. 

MMIW

Insulin and Prescription Drugs

Tonight is our fourth and final meeting in a series of town halls held by the House DFL to hear from Minnesotans about the impact of the cost of insulin and prescription drugs. The meetings have allowed us to hear personal stories from Minnesotans about the impact drug costs have had on their lives, and will help us advocate for solutions. 

Insulin Events

We’re concluding the meetings with a formal public hearing at the Capitol on September 26 to discuss what we learned and how to move forward. House Speaker Melissa Hortman announced last week that an emergency insulin bill will be ready for a formal hearing by that time. 

Be Heard on Cannabis 

We’re inviting Minnesotans to join the conversation about how we can safely and responsibly create a comprehensive framework for cannabis legalization by holding 15 community conversations around the state.

Legalizing cannabis for responsible adult use can increase access and affordability for people who rely on it to treat PTSD or chronic pain, allow law enforcement to focus their resources on more dangerous crimes, advance racial justice, and provide relief for the thousands of minor offenders who have been swept up in our criminal justice system.

Be Heard on Cannabis  

We want to hear what Minnesotans think, which is why we launched statewide Community Conversations on Cannabis to hear from people in every corner of our state. You can sign up for updates, take the Speaker’s cannabis survey, and find a community conversation near you at a new website here. Details for a meeting in New Brighton are still being worked out. 

Apply for the Page Program!

Our House of Representatives High School Page Program is an awesome opportunity for students in their Junior year! Applicants can participate in a wide variety of activities to enhance their understanding of our state government and the legislative process. Some of the activities include:  

  • Assisting members and staff during House floor sessions in the House Chamber.
  • Participating in a mock committee hearing designed to develop students' leadership skills and to inspire them to think critically about the issues confronting our state.
  • Individual meetings with state representatives designed to allow students to discuss the issues that matter most to them.
  • Meetings with constitutional officers, members of the judiciary, lobbyists, and members of the media.

The programs are each 1 week long, and applications are taken until November 21st, 2019. Find more information here, and start an application here! 

I hope you're enjoying the fall weather and leaves turning! Reach out with questions and comments! 

Sincerely,

Mary KP
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