This was a busy week at the legislature. We heard an emergency insulin bill on Wednesday. More about that below.
We also heard two gun control bills on Thursday. The Universal Background Checks bill creates strict new hurdles and barriers for law-abiding Minnesotans seeking to exercise their 2nd-Amendment rights. It will do nothing to stop the criminals who won’t follow the complex new process. The second one was the Red Flag bill, which violates due process and will not stop those who are intent on doing harm to themselves and others. I voted no on both and, while I was disappointed the bills passed the House, the Senate will prevent them from becoming law.
Insulin Bill
On Wednesday, the House approved legislation that establishes an “emergency” insulin program. Let me first say that I support ensuring access to insulin for those in emergencies or are struggling to afford their medication. However, the Democrats’ bill to address this issue is not the correct way to accomplish this worthy goal.
Their bill raises taxes by $114 million to pay for this program. This comes on the heels of their vote last session to increase health care taxes by more than $2 billion over the next four years. Raising more taxes will only increase costs for insulin users.
Thankfully, numerous manufacturers and insurance companies have come to the negotiating table in the last 6-months and now provide generous programs for folks struggling to afford insulin. This includes health insurers on the individual market capping the costs of insulin at $25 or less for a month’s supply.
Further, Minnesota’s public health care programs, Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare offer incredibly generous insulin coverage, usually providing the products for free or at a significantly reduced rate.
If you or someone you know struggle to afford or access insulin, please contact your doctor to discuss options available for you.
Funding Success in Education
I have introduced House File 3760, a bill to fund and incentivize success in our schools. It will provide outcome-based incentive aid to schools that demonstrate
success through metrics on graduation rates and recent graduates not requiring remedial courses.
It’s time we reward what works and fund schools that provide students the quality education they require for success in life and deserve.
The system we have been doing for decades is to rewarding failure. Let’s promote and reward success. I have requested a hearing on my bill.
Modifying Quarantine Provisions
The coronavirus has been in and dominating the news. Before we find ourselves with an urgent issue in the United States and here in Minnesota, I think we should use HF 3532 as the vehicle to make us better prepared.
We will need people who may have it, or who may have been exposed to the virus, to come forward.
This bill is to make quarantines less of a burden and thus make it more likely people will come forward for testing and comply with a quarantine.
The public health danger is not high at this point, but as state leaders, we need to have a plan ready to roll out before the crisis of a serious outbreak presents itself in Minnesota.
Photos from the Week
Rep. Quam with LifeSource advocates during their day on the hill.
Rep. Quam with a student from his district who came to the Capitol to discuss higher education.
Rep. Quam with a physical therapist discussing physical therapy during their day at the Capitol
Please Stay in Touch
Please continue to stay in touch to share your thoughts or concerns. My phone number is 651-296-9236 or you can email me at email hidden; JavaScript is required.
