Neighbors,
I hope you had a wonderful weekend and took time to enjoy the warmer weather. Here’s a quick update on the things I’ve been working on at the Capitol.
 
Last Week
I met with members of the Dakota County Chamber on Friday and spoke with our community about healthcare, housing, and keeping Minnesota moving in the right direction. Thank you to everyone who came out to this event, I’m looking forward to continuing this conversation throughout session!

Health Care

Last week I introduced a bill to allow all Minnesotans access to quit-smoking support. I am working hard to pass bipartisan legislation to reduce and eliminate tobacco addiction in Minnesota by providing quit-smoking help and strengthening Minnesota’s clean indoor air law. This is about making sure all Minnesotans have access to the care they need to get healthy and stay healthy.
 
I also introduced a bill to require diabetes prescription drug companies to report costs. As drug prices have skyrocketed, Minnesotans are rationing their life-saving drugs or having to choose between keeping the heat on and taking their diabetes medication. No Minnesotan should have to make that choice. This bill would increase price transparency so we can monitor drug prices and hold pharmaceutical companies accountable.
 
Paid Family Leave
All Minnesotans deserve the opportunity to be successful, but many have to choose between work and taking care of family. Last Wednesday, the first hearings were held for the Paid Family & Medical Leave Bill. This bill would allow eligible workers to have up to 12 weeks of paid leave from work to provide support to their loved ones. This bill is of particular importance to me, as it was the subject of my Master’s Degree final project.  
 
Visitors at the Capitol
One of the perks of this job is getting to meet everyone that comes to the Capitol – including visitors from the Minnesota Zoo. We got to meet these guys when zoo representatives came to talk to legislators about conservation efforts at the zoo. 

I hope you will continue to stay in touch! You can reach me any time at rep.alice.mann@house.mn or 651-296-5387. You can also stop by our office in room 507 of the State Office Building.
Sincerely,
Alice Mann