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Earlier this week, the House Jobs and Economic Development Finance Committee, which I serve as vice-chair, held a public forum on the PROMISE Act (Providing Resources, Opportunity and Maximizing Investments in Striving Entrepreneurs) -- a comprehensive plan to help businesses rebuild and recover, many of which are Black, immigrant, and communities of color-owned.
We heard compelling comments from small business owners and community members, who told their stories about the impact of the civil unrest on their livelihood. You can read more about the event here.
The PROMISE Act was inspired by what legislators saw and heard from community members and business owners during tours of property damage in Minneapolis and Saint Paul. It was passed by the House but was not considered by the Senate.
 Offer your input on Minneapolis Public Safety Transformation
The Minneapolis City Council is proposing a change to the City Charter, creating a new community Safety & Violence Prevention Department. You can offer your feedback and learn more here.
Racism is a public health crisis
Tuesday, the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution declaring racism a public health crisis. The news release reads, “Due to racism, Black, Indigenous and people of color in Hennepin County statistically have poorer educational outcomes, earn less, and are less likely to own homes or have access to quality health care and jobs than White people. These disparities have lifelong impacts, including higher disease rates, and, as we’re seeing now, higher rates of COVID-19.”
New laws effective July 1
Several new laws took effect July 1. You can read more about the news laws here: http://www.house.mn/hinfo/leginfo/0720nlrelease.pdf?v=062520. Summaries by non-partisan House Public Information Services can be viewed here: http://www.house.mn/newlaws/#/search/2020.
One of the more notable laws is the landmark Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act that lawmakers approved this year to help ensure people with diabetes can access the insulin they needed in an emergency and to create a long-term path to access affordable insulin. The bill is named after Alec Smith, a 26-year old who died when he was forced to ration his insulin because he couldn’t afford to refill his prescription.
Also taking effect is the Prescription Drug Price Transparency Act, requiring drug makers to report the reasons for price increases and providing other detailed information about the cost of manufacturing, marketing, and distributing drugs. It will also require price transparency for existing drugs, new drugs, and newly acquired drugs. This is a major step forward in our ongoing efforts to ensure all Minnesotans can access the medications they need.
COVID-19 testing milestone reached
Governor Walz announced this week Minnesota has reached a milestone of 20,000 daily COVID-19 test capacity, and nearly 600,000 tests have been completed. You can read more about the latest news here.
 Please continue to reach out with any input, ideas, or feedback about the issues important to you. I value hearing from you, so please don’t hesitate to call or email me any time. You can also connect with me on Facebook. It’s an honor to represent you at the State Capitol.
Sincerely,
Rep. Mohamud Noor
State Representative
Rep.Mohamud.Noor@house.mn or 651-296-4257
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