Dear Neighbors,
I hope you had a nice week.
Our state received more positive news on the COVID-19 vaccine front this week with the arrival of 45,200 doses of the Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine. I’m grateful we’re seeing this significant development and it makes me hopeful we’re approaching the end of the pandemic. If you haven’t done so yet, I encourage you to sign up for Minnesota’s Vaccine Connector, which will notify you when you’re eligible and connect you with vaccination opportunities.
The pace of vaccination continues to speed up. Minnesota now ranks third in the nation for vaccination! In addition, 58% of Minnesotans over the age of 65 have received at least their first dose. I am pleased with this progress, but will continue to push for fast action.
Taking a Stand Against Price Gouging
The Star Tribune Editorial Board wrote a compelling piece in favor of my bill to ban price gouging on essential goods and services during an emergency. Minnesota is one of just a few states without such protections in law. As I mentioned last week, my bill passed out of the Commerce Committee, but is now waiting for action in the Senate.
This week, I presented another bipartisan measure that addresses price gouging. Prescription drug prices continue to rise, and we have a moral obligation to act so Minnesotans can afford the medicine they need to live. My bill would prohibit a manufacturer from imposing an excessive price increase on the sale of any generic or off-patent drug. I’m pleased to share the bill is being considered for inclusion into a larger health finance package, and I’ll continue to advocate for its passage.
Minnesotans are seeing energy bills skyrocket to astronomical prices due to the power outages from the ice storms our country saw recently. This week, colleagues and I submitted a letter to U.S. Senator Tina Smith to formally request an investigation into potential price gouging in the natural gas market. A natural disaster is not a time for profiteering.
Keep in Touch
Please continue to reach out anytime at rep.zack.stephenson@house.mn with input, questions, or to let me know how I can be of assistance.
Thank you for the honor of serving our Champlin and Coon Rapids families in the Minnesota House of Representatives.
Sincerely,
Zack Stephenson
State Representative