Legislative Update - October 2, 2019

Dear Neighbors,

We’re right in the middle of our legislative interim, and although session doesn’t reconvene until February, there’s plenty of working going on both inside and outside the Capitol. Here's a quick update on some upcoming events and our recent work.

Alec Smith Emergency Insulin Act

After months of work that included bipartisan discussions, input from advocates, and community conversations across the state, we returned to the House Health and Human Services committee with an even stronger bill that would provide an emergency supply of insulin to those who need it most. At our hearing, I was joined by two mothers who testified about the heartbreaking loss of their sons because they couldn't afford the insulin they needed to live. I fear that unless we pass Alec’s Bill, more Minnesotans could lose their life. We cannot let that happen.

You can read more about the bill and the hearing here, or you can watch my interview on the need for a special session to pass Alec’s Bill.

Climate Action Caucus

Climate change is one of the greatest threats facing us today, and while there are still some lawmakers struggling with that fact, last month saw thousands of Minnesota students march for the change that’s needed to protect their futures. Students rallied at the State Capitol and across the state, nation, and world. To stand in solidarity with these students, members of the Minnesota House have formed the Climate Action Caucus, of which I am a member. 

The House DFL passed several bills last session aimed at boosting our green economy, but many were blocked by leadership in the Senate. This is not an issue that can be ignored any longer, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Climate Action Caucus. Stay tuned for updates.

Mini-Session
We’re taking the Minnesota House of Representatives on the road this week! Southeastern Minnesota will host Mini-Session 2019 as a number of committee hearings, roundtable discussions, and informative tours will take place in Winona, Austin, and Rochester.

Though the Minnesota House doesn’t officially reconvene until February 2020, the mini-session offers a chance for my colleagues and I to see our work through a different lens outside of St. Paul. This is the first mini-session since the 90s, and we’re hoping our work this year restarts the tradition as part of our efforts to make the Minnesota House more responsive and accessible. You can find an agenda of events here, and I look forward to sharing my experiences with you.

Minnesota Values Project Survey

Another way we’re touching base with constituents is through our Minnesota Values Project Survey. The successes of our recent legislative session are rooted in the conversations my colleagues and I had with Minnesotans across the state. We talked to folks to find out what’s important to them, and we want to continue our efforts in fighting for your values.

Please consider taking a moment to fill out our survey here. If you have any questions on the survey, any of the topics in this update, or the legislative process, please feel free to reach out to me. You can contact me at (651) 296-7158, or at rep.michael.howard@house.mn. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Michael Howard