Democratic lawmakers in the Minnesota House give an update this morning about efforts on an assistance program for those who can’t afford insulin, but chances for legislative action before the holidays have evaporated. Before Thanksgiving, Governor Tim Walz and Democrats called for public meetings in hopes of breaking a stalemate. “The reason that there are some folks [who] don’t want to it publicly is because the leverage will be immense once it comes out into the public,” Walz said.
Senate Republicans said there was progress in closed door meetings, but few details were available. One major sticking point has been whether insulin manufacturers should help pay for the program.
Walz urged lawmakers to agree on an emergency assistance program so he could call a special session before Christmas — then work on long-term measures to reduce insulin prices during the regular session which begins in February.