BRAND NEWS with Rep. Jeff Brand

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For this week's episode of BRAND NEWS, click here. 

WATCH BRAND NEWS

This week, I introduced a series of bills to improve both public and worker safety. In 2023, train derailments were up 13.5% in Minnesota. It’s obvious that we are not on the right track. All four bills were heard in the transportation committee on Tuesday, and they address issues like train length, incident reporting, improving working conditions, and implementing wayside detectors, which could help spot issues before a derailment or other emergency. Lots of trains regularly transport dangerous substances that could contaminate our environment in the event of an accident, so these bills will also help reduce the risk of environmental harm. I'm looking forward to working with my colleagues across the aisle on these issues so we can kick this issue in the caboose. You can watch the hearing here.  

Infertility Coverage

Here’s some great coverage from KEYC on the Minnesota Building Families Act, by legislation to ensure insurance coverage for fertility treatments, including IVF. Across the country, fertility treatment like IVF is beginning to lead the political war over reproductive rights, and it’s ridiculous. Here in Minnesota, we’re not just making sure folks have the right to fertility treatment, we’re making sure it’s accessible. With this bill, Minnesotans struggling with infertility will have the financial ability to access treatment to start their families. I’m proud to carry this legislation and look forward to seeing it through. 

The Youth Vaping Problem

What do you think this is? 

If you guessed a marker, think again. It’s a vape pen. It’s packaging targets to youth to hide their use of nicotine and marijuana from adults in school or at home. I signed on as coauthor of HF 2177 because I believe that these products are harmful to our youth and have no business on store shelves.

Take my Legislative Survey

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Take my legislative survey to make your voice heard. Submissions are open now through May 1, 2024.   

TAKE THE SURVEY

Stay in Touch 

As always, I want to hear from you. Get in touch by calling 651-296-8634 to reach me, or email rep.jeff.brand@house.mn.gov. Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram for the latest.  

Stay warm out there.  

In solidarity,  

Representative Jeff Brand 

Minnesota House of Representatives