Dear Neighbors, Recently, I picked up two of my prescriptions from the pharmacy. The cost seemed higher than usual. There was no change in insurance, no change in my prescription, so I asked the technician to pull the record for what I paid the previous year. My cost has increased over 50% on both. I am still able to afford my medication, but how many people will now ration theirs or forgo taking it altogether because they cannot? As Donald Trump and Republicans shut down the federal government because they refuse to make health insurance more affordable, Americans are struggling to pay for food, rent, transportation, utilities, and other goods and services. Now we must add to that list our life-saving medications. This federal administration does not care about everyday Americans. They continue to erode our healthcare system and harm those with the least means. We must stand up and push back. I stand with our Minnesota members of Congress refusing to give in. The Minnesota Department of Commerce announced earlier this month the official 2026 health insurance rates featuring staggering increases. The rate hikes represent the highest premium increases since 2017. As DFL co-chair of the Commerce Committee, I released a statement alongside Health Committee co-chair Rep. Bierman, highlighting how Trump’s policies are harming working Minnesotans.  Donald Trump and Republicans are making healthcare more expensive so they can cement new tax giveaways for billionaires. Because the GOP is letting premium tax credits expire, some Minnesotans are looking at premium increases as high as 50% next year. These skyrocketing rates are completely unsustainable and will hurt families, farmers, seniors, and small business owners. The increases are on top of the Minnesota GOP’s cruel action earlier this year to rip away Medicaid from tens of thousands of Minnesotans, including some of the most vulnerable in our communities. Now, instead of addressing this crisis, Republicans are forcing a federal government shutdown because they’re unwilling to make health care more affordable. This is the clearest proof yet that they stand with the wealthiest among us, not the middle class. Meanwhile, my DFL colleagues and I are committed to making life more affordable for working families as they face higher prices for food, energy, housing, and health care. Connecting with StudentsI recently met with constituents from the University of Minnesota Medical School to discuss the real challenges and opportunities ahead in our health care system. We covered a wide range of topics, from the impact of recent federal legislation to student mental health to changes in medical student loan programs that are making it harder for these future physicians to secure funding. The next few years under the Trump administration will bring difficult challenges, but conversations with bright, dedicated scholars preparing to serve our communities remind me that Minnesota’s future is in capable hands.  Celebrating Latin American Heritage MonthMuch gratitude to State Representative María Isa Pérez-Vega for hosting a community celebration for Latino Heritage month. Minnesota’s Latino community is a vital part of our state’s fabric. They have contributed in politics, philanthropy, education, and the arts. Thank you to the Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs for your partnership and continuing to help move our state forward.  Morrison Family College of Health MilestoneAfter five years in the making, Dr. MayKao Hang has officially been installed as the founding Dean of the Morrison Family College of Health at the University of St. Thomas. Since its founding, the college has exceeded expectations in both enrollment and program growth, becoming a statewide leader in preparing the next generation of health professionals. I was honored to attend this historic ceremony and celebrate Dr. Hang’s visionary leadership and dedication to expanding opportunity in Minnesota’s health workforce.  Standing up for Reproductive Rights It was an inspiring evening recently at the Planned Parenthood North Central States Gala. The night served as a powerful reminder of the progress we’ve made in protecting reproductive rights and bodily autonomy here in Minnesota. But our work is far from over. These hard-won gains continue to face challenges federally, and now is not the time to be complacent. The event was filled with optimism, energy, and a shared commitment to keep moving forward. I’m grateful to stand alongside so many dedicated advocates who are ready to continue getting into “good trouble” to defend reproductive freedom for all.  |