Minnesota Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics

Legislative Updates

<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-4563 alignleft" src="http://wp.mnaap.org/wp-lib/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Chad-Fahning-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="213" height="213" srcset="http://wp.mnaap.org/wp-lib/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Chad-Fahning-300x300.jpg 300w, http://wp.mnaap.org/wp-lib/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Chad-Fahning-150x150.jpg 150w, http://wp.mnaap.org/wp-lib/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Chad-Fahning.jpg 482w" sizes="(max-width: 213px) 100vw, 213px" />Over 130 pediatricians, residents, and medical students flooded the hallways of the Capitol on March 13, as part of Pediatricians’ Day at the Capitol. Attendees heard from guest legislators at a midday program before embarking out to meet with their own legislators to discuss policy proposals that prioritize the health, safety, and wellness of kids.
The number of active bills MNAAP is fewer than the unprecedented plethora of MNAAP-backed bills passed in 2023. Nonetheless, if they find their way through the finish line, the large handful of policies championed by pediatricians this session will do innumerable good for the next generation of Minnesotans. Chiefly among these policies is legislation to allow childcare centers to require that participants meet the state’s vaccination requirements, to remedy the declining rate of childhood vaccinations witnessed nationwide. Pediatricians also put their stamp of approval on a bill to establish health standards in school curriculum statewide and legislation introducing a childcare tax credit, which would kick in next year. Additionally, legislation to reduce death and injury from unsecured firearms through safe storage requirements is making its way through pivotal Senate committees, despite being shunned from such committees last session. Lastly, MNAAP is supporting legislation to prohibit prior authorization for substance-use disorder treatment, outpatient mental health treatment, pediatric hospice care, and treatment for neonatal abstinence syndrome, as well as a proposed insurance mandate to provide coverage for gender-affirming care, additional postpartum care, and in vitro fertilization (IVF), among others.
These efforts are designed to improve access to patient care and are all the table as we near the end of the legislative session. 2024 is a non-budget year, so there is no requirement for lawmakers to pass anything this year (odd-year sessions carry a constitutional requirement to pass a balanced state budget). Nonetheless, legislative leadership struck a supplemental budget agreement with the Governor to add $477.5 million to the 2024-2025 biennial budget and another $62.7 million for the next fiscal biennium. $34 million of that is earmarked for additional state investment for children and families. The targets were agreed to after Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) announced a $3.7 billion state budget surplus, with the caveat that state spending is projected to exceed revenues by $1.5 billion in the years ahead. MMB cited long- term spending increases as the chief cause of the projected deficit. The 2024-2025 budget deal passed last year saw a $20 billion increase in the total state budget, including a record $1.2 billion in new early childhood investments and over $2 billion in additional K-12 spending.
Only weeks remain for legislators to decide what to include in larger omnibus packages. Given the limited spending targets, many efforts with a fiscal impact will not survive the final days. The legislature is required to adjourn sine die no later than May 20, which will officially mark the end of the 2023- 2024 biennium. Even if nothing were to pass before then – an extremely unlikely prophecy – the 93rd legislature will be remembered as one of the most influential and impactful ones in recent memory.
In the interim, Minnesotans will indicate their approval or disapproval of legislative decision-making after two years of unilateral DFL control. Every seat in the Minnesota House of Representatives, or 2/3 of the total legislature, will be up for election on November 5 and the 94th legislature will convene thereafter in January.

2024 Legislative Session: Spring Update

<div id="attachment_3502" style="width: 160px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="http://www.mnaap.org/board-members/chad-fahning-photo-headshot/" rel="attachment wp-att-3502"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3502" class="size-thumbnail wp-image-3502" src="http://www.mnaap.org/wp-lib/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Chad-Fahning-Photo-headshot-150x150.png" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>Chad Fahning, MNAAP Lobbyist</div>
The entire autumn season is sacred to me. I love the bustling atmosphere of the new school year, the roar of a college football game, posing for “candid” pictures at an apple orchard, and yes, I also enjoy a pumpkin spice latte here and there.
But today’s autumn air seems especially light. That might be because this school year, Minnesota’s children will enjoy free school meals for the first time. It might be because we have a comprehensive paid family and medical leave program in this state. Another reason might be that, come April, Minnesotans will feel the benefits of the new child tax credit passed by the legislature. All these items, among the many others we pushed through this session, will help children and families in this state.
But there’s always more work to be done. We passed comprehensive firearm safety measures last year – expanded background checks and Extreme Risk Protection Orders – but safe storage requirements and required reporting of lost or stolen firearms were left on the table. We passed the PRO Act and legal protections for physicians offering reproductive healthcare, but there are still laws on the books in Minnesota restricting access to care. It is now illegal to subject kids to the barbaric practice of conversion therapy, and the legislature passed a law ensuring access to gender-affirming care, but there is still more to be done for the health, safety, and wellbeing of our kids.
Yes – we should revel in our victories from this past session. Your cider should taste a little sweeter and your flannel should feel a little warmer. But pediatricians across the state must bring the same dedication, organization, and passion to the Capitol in 2024, and much of that work begins now. We need to build on our successes to ensure that Minnesota is the best place in the world to be a kid and raise a family.
Please participate in MNAAP advocacy events and stay up-to-date on opportunities to engage with lawmakers so that when the legislature reconvenes on February 12, we are ready to effectively advocate for the next generation of Minnesotans!
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Stay Connected! 
MNAAP sends updates and alerts to members throughout the legislative session to help them stay informed about important matters of child health.
Make sure you’ve received these emails in the past by doing a quick inbox search for messages from “MNAAP Policy Co-Chairs Sue Berry, MD, FAAP, and Hannah Lichtsinn, MD, FAAP” and by adding ‘venable@mnaap.org’ to your contact list.
This will ensure you always receive the news and information that pertains to advocacy opportunities and updates.

Building on Legislative Successes

All MNAAP members are invited to join the chapter&#8217;s policy roundtable discussion on Thursday, Nov. 16, 6:30 &#8211; 8 p.m. via Zoom. The roundtable is the perfect opportunity to share your perspective on the issues that MNAAP should focus on at the Capitol during the upcoming legislative session. MNAAP is a leading voice on children&#8217;s health issues at the Capitol. We rely on the feedback of our members, as well as guidance from our chapter lobbyist, to determine the policy priorities of the chapter for each legislative session.
Please <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MNAAPRoundtable" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MNAAPRoundtable&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1694823335111000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2lBHpB2S8AxrL-UAFdcyMi">RSVP</a> if you plan to attend. The meeting will take place via Zoom.
MNAAP&#8217;s policy co-chairs, Sue Berry, MD, FAAP, and Hannah Lichtsinn, MD, FAAP, will facilitate the virtual conversation focused on identifying policy priorities for the Board to consider based on member feedback, legislative viability and other considerations.
Can’t make the roundtable? We’re still interested in hearing from you about what advocacy topics are important to you. Simply reply to this email to share your thoughts or email Bethany Venable <a href="mailto:venable@mnaap.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">venable@mnaap.org</a> with details.

Save the Date: MNAAP Policy Roundtable Discussion on Nov. 16

<div id="attachment_3502" style="width: 250px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="http://www.mnaap.org/board-members/chad-fahning-photo-headshot/" rel="attachment wp-att-3502"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3502" class="size-medium wp-image-3502" src="http://www.mnaap.org/wp-lib/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Chad-Fahning-Photo-headshot-240x300.png" alt="" width="240" height="300" /></a>Chad Fahning, MNAAP Lobbyist</div>
With the legislature now adjourned until February 2024, many commentators have labeled the 2023 legislative session as “historic.” In hindsight, few groups have a better claim to that word when describing the impact of the policies passed this year than Minnesota’s children and families.
The legislature was busy this session – the busiest many have seen in decades, if ever. DFLers came into the session with an enormous budget surplus, (narrow) control of the Senate, State House, and governor’s office, and a long checklist of progressive priorities. 
At the top of the list were reproductive health items like the Protect Reproductive Options (PRO) Act, Reproductive Freedom Defense Act, and repealing obstructions to abortion services. The legislature did not only pass those, but also banned the barbaric practice of so-called “conversion therapy” and authorized legal protection for those providing and seeking gender-affirming care in Minnesota.
Next on the checklist were significant investments into early childhood. Governor Tim Walz, when unveiling his budget proposals, said he wanted to make the Minnesota the “best state for kids and families.” The 2024-25 state budget reflected that intention and includes $1.2 billion of new funding for early childhood initiatives, $800 million for a comprehensive paid family and medica leave program, $200 million for free school meals, the creation of a new Department of Children, Youth, and Families, a child tax credit increase, and much more.
The legislature was also finally able to push through firearm safety measures. Specifically, these measures include expanded background checks for firearm sales and transfers and extreme risk protection orders, or “red flag” laws, so a family member or law enforcement can petition a court to temporarily remove firearms from someone who has been determined to be a harm to themselves or others.
There is still much work to be done. Pediatricians advocated for stricter firearm storage laws and for the removal of the current statute exempting children from public school immunization requirements based on “conscientiously held beliefs.” These items did not make it across the finish line this year, but that does not mean we should ignore all the great bills that became law this year. 
I do not have the space in this article to list everything that will help kids be safe, healthy, and happy. I want to extend my gratitude to those who engaged in advocacy efforts this session. Pediatricians were at the forefront of the public discussion and will need to continue that going forward. In the meantime, though, we should hold our collective heads high and celebrate this year’s legislative session and the impact it will have on Minnesota’s children and families. I can think of no better word to describe it than “historic.”

Busy Legislative Session Comes to a Close

The Minnesota Legislature wrapped up its business on May 22, closing out a very successful session for MNAAP.



“This was one of the most productive legislative sessions our chapter has ever seen,” said MNAAP President, Eileen Crespo, MD, FAAP. “We saw major legislative accomplishments on nearly every priority we had. I want to thank all members who engaged in some level of advocacy this year. We were at the forefront of these issues and contributed greatly to making this session truly historic.”&nbsp;



MNAAP’s&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001793s03OFgUIZMeRICRVk4tNMEzjjq92wfPRjlfR-3eVe953fQe6nju16iI7LPOeZmu8cWf0v5KfoVcQwg6Wf8BrK1C0bBtc2GcndflZTQJMhlR_BLCoIXvNZjxJkYmrznjLdtgkwKAkR9A1b1FVOA4osIwbbPmMPKJqaom7ThJtMIUv-Ec-gnONMJ2EzJAWKw6t_KE-yqr1pEEg86q9G-tQOOYkqQtOp_j6vW2u2oR5SizCN9WzwTg==&amp;c=zMQny1YBhzvTAFWMWxXCNMG0dcfjx7d1jVgbFYgeHyRFLYGJw3GhRQ==&amp;ch=McTy72n2jXd23NRo9JNSc1JSwz8CgmrjSISGq_qFMMGcYeWmwGdPuA==" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2023 legislative priorities</a>&nbsp;included protecting children and youth from firearm violence, increasing vaccination rates against infectious diseases, promoting child, youth, and family mental health, supporting funding for early childhood initiatives, and addressing social drivers of health.



Despite holding narrow majorities in both the House and Senate, DFL lawmakers set out with an aggressive legislative agenda. This included introducing multiple firearm safety proposals – something MNAAP had promoted for years. In the end, Minnesota passed expanded background check requirements for private firearm sales and transfers and a new extreme risk protection order (also known as a “red flag law”), allowing family members and law enforcement to petition a court to temporarily restrict firearm access for those at risk of harming themselves or others.&nbsp;



Lawmakers also introduced legislation to require firearms to be safely secured in a safe or lockbox, and that ammunition be stored separately. This bill received a committee hearing in the House, but saw opposition in the Senate and was not included in the final bill.



Similarly, lawmakers introduced legislation to remove current statutes exempting children from public school immunization requirements based on “conscientiously held beliefs.” Though this legislation was introduced, it did not receive a committee hearing and did not pass. MNAAP will be coordinating with other stakeholders to pursue this in the future. Otherwise, MNAAP did push through funding for a vaccination program aimed at underinsured and uninsured Minnesotans.



In total, the biennial state budget will increase from approximately $52 billion to approximately $72 billion. About $12 billion of this is one-time spending. The new budget is funded through tax and fee alterations and use of the state’s $17.6 billion budget surplus. A large percentage of the spending increase is dedicated to children, families, and K-12 education.



Minnesota will allocate $23.2 billion of its 2024-25 state budget towards K-12 schools – $2.2 billion of that is new spending. Much of that is for a basic formula increase for schools, but one of the largest single spending items is a separate $85 million for mental health personnel in schools. Additionally, over $200 million was allocated for free school breakfast and lunches for all Minnesota students. That legislation moved separately from the K-12 education budget bill and was signed into law in March.



The health and human services (HHS) budget bill also included numerous grants for child mental health, as well as school-linked behavioral health grants. Additional items in the HHS bill include early child investments such as funding for childcare stabilization grants, Healthy Beginnings, Healthy Families Program, Homeless Youth Act, early learning scholarships, and the Great Start Act, to name a few. The bill also creates a new Department of Children, Youth and Families. In total, about $1.2 billion of investment into children and families. In comparison, the entire health budget target does not exceed $800 million.



The HHS bill also funds an actuarial and economic analysis for a MinnesotaCare Buy-in Program, or “public option,” expands MA coverage for undocumented Minnesotans and children, and offers continuous Medicaid enrollment for children.



Many of these new state budget investments are aimed to reducing the effects of social drivers of health. For example, MNAAP supported the $1 billion Housing bill – the largest single investment in housing the state has ever seen, which will go towards reducing housing insecurity and homelessness.



MNAAP also supported a comprehensive paid family and medical leave program, which was signed into law on May 25. The bill will require employers to offer 12 weeks of paid family leave and 12 weeks of paid medical leave starting on Jan. 1, 2026. The $800 million bill is funded through a payroll tax hike.



Other top items for MNAAP this session include a new child tax credit, the Protect Reproductive Options (PRO) Act, the Reproductive Freedom Defense Act, repeal of statutes intended to obstruct access to abortion services, legal protection for those coming to Minnesota seeking gender-affirming care, and a conversion therapy ban; all of which passed this session.



The legislature remains adjourned and will reconvene on Feb. 12, 2024.&nbsp;

Legislature Adjourns, Historic Session for Children and Families

The following is a legislative update sent to MNAAP members on Monday, May 1, 2023. This is an abbreviated version of the message members receive from the chapter&#8217;s lobbyist. If you are a MNAAP member and you are not receiving a legislative update, contact Communications Manager <a href="mailto:venable@mnaap.org">Bethany Venable</a> via email. 



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Conversion Therapy Ban, Gender Affirming Care, and RFDA Signed into Law</h4>



Three bills were signed into law by Gov. Tim Walz on April 27.&nbsp;The first,&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001kRy2U6RodK1KLbtxmFJFqHQVBEXifnh5JUuhThiifMf259XM-pquRqKFr6ZyWUd6A5cMqnYwEn3idqCIb0kzdAQLDguTjBqAwQnglBGs0ESjim6jDoW-dfZqUxpiw85I-W7E8kHVlTIbd6Hqtf2zUwt6tJkzeFQJsvq9jFtekW_bRTFgbn5ak140VkeNBC3abgnF-W13_ruvOmUDkQhwngynbepfFFGCKmzQiPgsBsE=&amp;c=0-YP7kOUXAHsxs3HHUoYLQnTu89wWwSmloiD3svSe4f1Plro6hcmLQ==&amp;ch=vsbYvvb4_3IBigpxPEUAJ9wxAk1-afYFrNg7qPVDLPL_dvo0-XhlUA==" target="_blank">HF 16</a> (Hollins, DFL – St. Paul; Dibble, DFL – Minneapolis), would prohibit the use of conversion therapy for individuals under the age of 18. The second bill, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001kRy2U6RodK1KLbtxmFJFqHQVBEXifnh5JUuhThiifMf259XM-pquRqKFr6ZyWUd64DovzAIRChmK0K_aFvM7JTKRzbHwYFDFk7q15SVH9b2WGX4Y6-LuJOP0MZ34TEhXfzeYIfZbNaMxRaSYT1HRHyX-8fOnse4ZTvhcVYICrMjhRnZsvObjLr7tdtyQyU2JeOcYzTfYl5OOSiOdADmAk1twIIeJa4lGoPL-jtzwwXo=&amp;c=0-YP7kOUXAHsxs3HHUoYLQnTu89wWwSmloiD3svSe4f1Plro6hcmLQ==&amp;ch=vsbYvvb4_3IBigpxPEUAJ9wxAk1-afYFrNg7qPVDLPL_dvo0-XhlUA==" target="_blank">HF 146</a> (Finke, DFL – St. Paul; Maye Quade, DFL – Apple Valley), seeks to protect transgender people, their families, and providers from legal repercussions if they travel to Minnesota to get gender-affirming care. Lastly, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001kRy2U6RodK1KLbtxmFJFqHQVBEXifnh5JUuhThiifMf259XM-pquRqKFr6ZyWUd6AToWpWo6zWOoOmSiFUe-BwmEeaoZBIppfnoCkscEyS99MlJzkVYB1lFp_nSEslbOiyGFP100Kt-gCiHsQ1H7khB0Xqw6B10SuEAyzwQ4kRTFgIZikITq-vzpGlMd2g8hxUZh4NgEdSXQl5SDbKosIiTjI_SX93-f4I8uFu5wMFk=&amp;c=0-YP7kOUXAHsxs3HHUoYLQnTu89wWwSmloiD3svSe4f1Plro6hcmLQ==&amp;ch=vsbYvvb4_3IBigpxPEUAJ9wxAk1-afYFrNg7qPVDLPL_dvo0-XhlUA==" target="_blank">HF 366</a> (Agbaje, DFL – Minneapolis; Morrison, DFL – Deephaven), also known as the Reproductive Freedom Defense Act (RFDA), would also prevent state courts or officials from complying with extraditions, arrests, or subpoenas related to care received in Minnesota. All three laws are effective immediately.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">House and Senate Pass Health Omnibus Bill, Conference Committee Soon&nbsp;</h4>



On April 26, the Minnesota House passed the omnibus health and human services budget bill on a 69-58 vote. A week prior, the Senate passed its version on a 35-32 vote margin. Though some details are different, both bills include the creation of a Health Care Affordability Commission to establish and enforce healthcare spending limits. In addition, both bills include efforts to expand access to affordable health coverage. The language would expand coverage for MinnesotaCare, provide coverage for non-documented children, and offer subsidies to encourage Minnesotans to purchase coverage with lower deductibles. It also includes efforts to further expand MinnesotaCare to more Minnesotans through what is referred to as the “public option,” beginning in 2027.&nbsp;&nbsp;Both bills include language to repeal current statutes intended to obstruct access to reproductive healthcare services, grant funding to address healthcare worker safety, and updates to the all-payer claims database (APCD). Both bills also include a two-year extension for coverage of audio-only telehealth, medical assistance (MA) coverage for recuperative care services, and an initiative to direct the Commissioner of Health to develop a statewide database for POLST (Provider Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment) forms.&nbsp;&nbsp;



Since the language in the House and Senate bills are different, a conference committee has been formed to hash out the differences and develop identical language in a conference report that will then be acted on by both bodies. The conference committee members include Reps. Liebling (DFL – Rochester), Bierman (DFL – Apple Valley), Pinto (DFL – St. Paul), Keeler (DFL – Moorhead), Schomacker (R – Luverne) and Sens. Wiklund (DFL – Bloomington), Morrison (DFL – Deephaven), Bolden (DFL – Rochester), Kupec DFL – Moorhead), and Abeler (R – Anoka).



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Adult-Use Cannabis Passes Clears Minnesota House and Senate, Moves to Conference Committee</h4>



A bill legalizing adult-use cannabis passed the House floor on April 25 on a 71-59 vote, and the Senate version (<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001kRy2U6RodK1KLbtxmFJFqHQVBEXifnh5JUuhThiifMf259XM-pquRqKFr6ZyWUd6HTYJFGx2B4OnnFg1euH7cM8PKShULf0egTt-Ww3OeTD6VjlVedixntIGohYrHPZfcdgh5Y5NE4mCGVc6oANqvMRKHzHXbsTWGwicl_R7rVoGGOe0DAYv3Fen_qFV3opBxRQ3-8pM7t29EB4wnmpSwcUDfZ0_KGzhrivW92xlP3E=&amp;c=0-YP7kOUXAHsxs3HHUoYLQnTu89wWwSmloiD3svSe4f1Plro6hcmLQ==&amp;ch=vsbYvvb4_3IBigpxPEUAJ9wxAk1-afYFrNg7qPVDLPL_dvo0-XhlUA==" target="_blank">SF 73</a>&nbsp;(Port, DFL – Burnsville)&nbsp;passed on Friday, April 28,&nbsp;with a vote of 34-33.



<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001kRy2U6RodK1KLbtxmFJFqHQVBEXifnh5JUuhThiifMf259XM-pquRqKFr6ZyWUd6ylL-6mZK8znyNVfx2Z_bPpMo3qgDg5O6zsbOeG-44Ewxh-1sKxoKP3HBNhXGhBCYq_z2ddCV1dhauIo13lnGuhEpmLEla9dxmdttLKcqA0y1KbxDGHyYeLooum3LUMXM_IiKAJY-JpIUozkX4UgNPyzwFbxhUVVPfCXTQeuW0HA=&amp;c=0-YP7kOUXAHsxs3HHUoYLQnTu89wWwSmloiD3svSe4f1Plro6hcmLQ==&amp;ch=vsbYvvb4_3IBigpxPEUAJ9wxAk1-afYFrNg7qPVDLPL_dvo0-XhlUA==" target="_blank">HF 100</a>&nbsp;(Stephenson, DFL – Coon Rapids) would legalize and regulate the recreational use of cannabis for those 21 and older in Minnesota. The bill would also create an expungement process to automatically lift previous cannabis-related, low-level convictions off individuals’ criminal records.&nbsp;&nbsp;



The two bills will go to a conference committee to reconcile differences and then go to Gov. Tim Walz, who has previously indicated he will sign the bill. 



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Opioid Measure Included in Human Services Omnibus Bill&nbsp;</h4>



The House and Senate passed different versions of the omnibus human services budget bill that funds nursing homes, programs for disabled Minnesotans, and other social service programs. The different versions of the human services omnibus bills will be reconciled in a conference committee in the upcoming weeks.

Legislative Update | May 1, 2023

As an MNAAP member, you play a critical role in advocating for the health and safety of your patients. As you may know, firearms are the leading cause of death for children in the United States. The issue of firearm death and injury is a public health crisis for Minnesota’s youth and demands immediate action. We need your help to urge Minnesota lawmakers to support common-sense firearm safety legislation to reduce the devastating toll of gun violence on kids. 



Please take a moment to reach out to your legislators and express your support for common-sense measures, such as safe storage laws, universalbackground checks, and extreme risk protection orders. The following bills are currently under consideration: 



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001TnXamQ5dmbr3zknnDnmnQmYw6IMUYK_mnrNIX8dkODHjtXYUeLUByRokf_5xqdgX5ZOD0NqhvmHA6BRaO9ykYcTvYD0PtdzPEuWyS5jIYZcVHTRZ_TROMhaxjZ820r153D_9txKS5wYbuszYlflaBSraI4KPCwIVuSJM5rlsTdkVhgAtfpnAnZ-TzhUzOejJ0O4Nwt7EaQT79LkRHC5nx303jfYa3_bA3VK8dvw3kio=&amp;c=2_Ci0VyKVmmupkEY4uZf6OSaXfciAppmYHt9SZTxqhmvR5RgV0MhYg==&amp;ch=zcWZ-xaVedicFvsDcwptQdVdypQ013U85-7lsiqJey__SmELRhoPHA==" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">HF14</a>/<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001TnXamQ5dmbr3zknnDnmnQmYw6IMUYK_mnrNIX8dkODHjtXYUeLUByRokf_5xqdgXOEGDpOPae_lQB5OCKMFDkOrshsT77WUtN1S5pTbiEHT3mGFBtezoqT7i-O9FJOqeUNNnjckl4jz5SPJOTdoQK2m4p44QsBX6JXzz3FSUYBD8HEjn8OThqes_bqMDeMAWPV6TXrHwSZ56dXU010DZoAYCN7Vb7RObvvBJHxy-S2k=&amp;c=2_Ci0VyKVmmupkEY4uZf6OSaXfciAppmYHt9SZTxqhmvR5RgV0MhYg==&amp;ch=zcWZ-xaVedicFvsDcwptQdVdypQ013U85-7lsiqJey__SmELRhoPHA==" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">SF1116</a>: Implementing universal background checks for firearm transfers.&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001TnXamQ5dmbr3zknnDnmnQmYw6IMUYK_mnrNIX8dkODHjtXYUeLUByRokf_5xqdgX8sx_l6mfKx7_xR0iXbgLJ2TRL7vDUb-JbWQOpN-8TvDJaac3ge0w4FEp_WqegnmCnFQKXHc3wT8JkfmQV5tUntMTlYxfYJYEgV2c6UO533Ncoq8FZwsmcFZQG9Ki6r7TrwXuBj2-P4dhbeMIhkts-jq1HxPU5aQgE57xnv1Gp5M=&amp;c=2_Ci0VyKVmmupkEY4uZf6OSaXfciAppmYHt9SZTxqhmvR5RgV0MhYg==&amp;ch=zcWZ-xaVedicFvsDcwptQdVdypQ013U85-7lsiqJey__SmELRhoPHA==" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">HF15</a>/<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001TnXamQ5dmbr3zknnDnmnQmYw6IMUYK_mnrNIX8dkODHjtXYUeLUByRokf_5xqdgXWpLIEKKPfBSyHuQZMJ-QuaGvhq-IfWJtNAGcQZvH4UwuWSwH4OBxlhTxpJ0GHcjKTr3_kCy60tDhwaRWsAxfEM6Sc6iKI1BOUnYdSQVqoAVEIw2-l77xOFNvmm8EDc_vR8A7D2jAQOIQNNeAfqTPL5VRk_2THfSXDkzLrTyLKzw=&amp;c=2_Ci0VyKVmmupkEY4uZf6OSaXfciAppmYHt9SZTxqhmvR5RgV0MhYg==&amp;ch=zcWZ-xaVedicFvsDcwptQdVdypQ013U85-7lsiqJey__SmELRhoPHA==" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">SF1117</a>:&nbsp;Law enforcement and family members enabled to petition a court to prohibit people from possessing firearms if they pose a significant danger to themselves or others.&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001TnXamQ5dmbr3zknnDnmnQmYw6IMUYK_mnrNIX8dkODHjtXYUeLUByRokf_5xqdgXwNCwgSq9JGEANeYlvOcELgH9fyDMugQDvIWwArHYGj9M5HM7hGSZnaDg4uOKsQulGiwB1kRuTb4VsZs5Bzcl7O7uzJNgG6lBjjXHforcgNRLUB2_6lI7Qz-IMsjqQHIoed7OVCEmgES7HoiQfmrDz0PZ87Q-h7kvM-G1pPaO5bo=&amp;c=2_Ci0VyKVmmupkEY4uZf6OSaXfciAppmYHt9SZTxqhmvR5RgV0MhYg==&amp;ch=zcWZ-xaVedicFvsDcwptQdVdypQ013U85-7lsiqJey__SmELRhoPHA==" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">HF396</a>/<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001TnXamQ5dmbr3zknnDnmnQmYw6IMUYK_mnrNIX8dkODHjtXYUeLUByRokf_5xqdgXii6kvup01w5Tgu6szBreFarqkSbS9b0O9DC6l5966tDk4-vHSzmQsmWwRsbyN9a9Oq1OjNeuEI88ZY9lXzqz5v0eD-yHW0ZA5DRiKtzIpgiL-M0N13NzsvDSwh2G7LWTwKzIwxbAlRVmJP8pL1ITYwjx84q7D4CbqS-5fSlYi-8=&amp;c=2_Ci0VyKVmmupkEY4uZf6OSaXfciAppmYHt9SZTxqhmvR5RgV0MhYg==&amp;ch=zcWZ-xaVedicFvsDcwptQdVdypQ013U85-7lsiqJey__SmELRhoPHA==" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">SF916</a>: Requiring safe storage of firearms and ammunition.&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001TnXamQ5dmbr3zknnDnmnQmYw6IMUYK_mnrNIX8dkODHjtXYUeLUByRokf_5xqdgXz4LcoIBO_8z42Aqi_VNhP11g2Oa4C5GzzRQ7AeehY1rWOsN0g-n-FZi4ZkuRT8VvMOBf0dEbz-zCt92E0dG6wjASgQRwRYMScHsspLxvx4PugrrAoP-C36HiVqimssp8WiFM2a3kkkMw2iQyBS6_hCyn7S3frHt8mokYzoH4sSfyvxdvu60ywz8sWyBlPnA3ZG_0hsmyna3mQJPKVCPyxFrdELSrQFES&amp;c=2_Ci0VyKVmmupkEY4uZf6OSaXfciAppmYHt9SZTxqhmvR5RgV0MhYg==&amp;ch=zcWZ-xaVedicFvsDcwptQdVdypQ013U85-7lsiqJey__SmELRhoPHA==" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">HF601</a>/<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001TnXamQ5dmbr3zknnDnmnQmYw6IMUYK_mnrNIX8dkODHjtXYUeLUByRokf_5xqdgXpPJOrB1eoKxq5qU9cHgbvPLhPKdNrwRlSkDVybOg82EcK6pQ1xPnc-C4gM0gM1qmTDaQz4S-fNCwaKYFlromch8UXVoCxVhOeOqY4QrOYrpZ8wfEFYlJ5giIUVhNCLUNv50N9K9cBiQge-MILausYLa1hTbD7JxHayneFdcxLes=&amp;c=2_Ci0VyKVmmupkEY4uZf6OSaXfciAppmYHt9SZTxqhmvR5RgV0MhYg==&amp;ch=zcWZ-xaVedicFvsDcwptQdVdypQ013U85-7lsiqJey__SmELRhoPHA==" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">SF606</a>:&nbsp;Lost and stolen firearms required to be reported promptly to law enforcement.</li></ul>



Your voice is critical in the fight for common-sense firearm legislation. By speaking out, you can help make a difference in the lives of countless children affected by gun violence.Please contact your legislators today and ask them to support evidence-based firearm control measures. 



Together, we can make our communities safer and save lives. 



Click <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001TnXamQ5dmbr3zknnDnmnQmYw6IMUYK_mnrNIX8dkODHjtXYUeLUByV4vCKN5z-wW7ErSpTzx_FAMxZraBQRKh3CWpMz8R_JV2dIVBWWKTg9xwWpN5SnNzDRUDrUmDMiKhfhpxwTGxHYOcroJlIh5hPzWnqGFyJeDO_QJph0FDqX5A5fgT5jGQA==&amp;c=2_Ci0VyKVmmupkEY4uZf6OSaXfciAppmYHt9SZTxqhmvR5RgV0MhYg==&amp;ch=zcWZ-xaVedicFvsDcwptQdVdypQ013U85-7lsiqJey__SmELRhoPHA==" target="_blank">here</a> to find your state senator and representative and then call or email.  



You can use this sample script:



My name is [name] and I live at [address]. I am calling/emailing to express my support for common sense firearm safety legislation. [Add your personal story or a few talking points here about why firearm violence prevention is important]. Accidental firearm injury and homicide continues to be a major health concern for Minnesota’s youth. Firearms are also the leading method of suicide for adolescents aged 15 to 19. I hope Senator/Representative [X] will work with their colleagues to pass legislation that can help protect Minnesota&#8217;s children and teens from firearm violence. Thank you.

Legislative Alert: Feb. 10, 2023

The Minnesota House Health Finance and Policy Committee heard on Thursday morning the introduction of bill <a href="https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/text.php?number=HF1&amp;type=bill&amp;version=0&amp;session=ls93&amp;session_year=2023&amp;session_number=0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">HF1</a>, which aims to establish the fundamental right to reproductive health access.



The bill, known as the &#8220;Protect Reproductive Options Act,&#8221; received support from MNAAP through a letter to Chair Tina Leibling (DFL-24B) and committee members. Signed by MNAAP President Eileen Crespo, MD, FAAP, on behalf of MNAAP members, the letter states:



&#8220;Our state chapter shares the position of the American Academy of Pediatrics, who has long supported access to all options regarding undesired pregnancy, including the right to obtain an abortion. Undesired pregnancy has a profound, multigenerational impact on children, adolescents, and families. When access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive healthcare is restricted, youth and families from marginalized communities bear a disproportionate burden, magnifying long-standing inequities.&#8221;



You can read the full letter <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="here (opens in a new tab)" href="http://www.mnaap.org/wp-lib/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/MNAAP-Letter-of-Support-PRO-Act.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.

MNAAP Supports Reproductive Health Bill

By Chad Fahning, MNAAP Lobbyist



DFL incumbents Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan were reelected to serve four more years in office. The DFL constitutional officers all went DFL as well, with Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, Secretary of State Steve Simon, and State Auditor Julie Blaha all winning reelection. In his concession, Walz’s challenger Scott Jensen, MD said it best: “Republicans, quite frankly, didn’t have a red wave. It was a blue wave.” 



Minnesotans reelected a DFL majority in the Minnesota House of Representatives (70 DFL, 64 R) and flipped the Senate (34 DFL, 33 R) to give the DFL control of the House, Senate, and Governor’s office &#8211; something unseen since 2014.



Three physicians &#8211; Matt Klein, MD, Kelly Morrison, MD, and Alice Mann, MD &#8211; were elected, all to the Senate. Three candidates made history: Erin Maye Quade, Clare Oumou Verbeten, and Zaynab Mohamed became the first Black women ever elected to the Senate. Mohamed is also the youngest woman elected to the Senate at age 25. Leigh Finke became the first trans person to serve on the Minnesota legislature, and Alicia Kozlowski became Minnesota&#8217;s first non-binary legislator. Both will serve in the Minnesota House.



Minnesotans voted in 71 non-incumbent legislators, making up a significant portion of the 201 total seats. Fifty-seven of those have never served in either body at any point.



In the days following the election, the caucuses announced leadership positions. Sen. Kari Dziedzic was voted to be the majority leader in the Senate. They also voted Sen. Bobby Joe Champion as president of the Senate and Sen. Ann Rest to chair the Tax Committee and Sen. John Marty to chair the Finance Committee. Mark Johnson was voted as the new minority leader in the Senate. Other positions will be announced in the coming weeks.



 In the House, Rep. Melissa Hortman will remain speaker. Rep. Jamie Long was elected as the new majority leader. The House Republicans voted Rep. Lisa Demuth as the new House minority leader.



The DFL’s flipping control of the state Senate breaks Minnesota’s four-year streak of a divided legislature. The 93rd Minnesota legislature convenes on January 3, 2023. DFLers, who now hold “the trifecta” of power, will be charged with approving a state budget with a likely $9+ billion budget surplus before adjourning on May 22, 2023.



MNAAP will be sending biweekly updates throughout the legislative session.

Walz Re-elected, Senate Flips to DFL Control

<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="http://www.mnaap.org/wp-lib/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Chad-Fahning-Photo-headshot-e1631279097958.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3502"/><figcaption>Chad Fahning, MNAAP Lobbyist</figcaption></figure>



As the leaves turn and we wave goodbye to summer, we also bid adieu to the likelihood of a special session in Minnesota. Labor Day typically marks the time when legislators are fully out of legislating mode and fully emersed in their door-knocking, fundraising, and other campaign events.



With that, the record-setting $9.3 billion budget surplus will likely sit idle until the 93rd Minnesota Legislature gavels in on Jan. 3. The 93rd legislature will look much different than the 92nd. With redistricting this past spring – an event that occurs following the census to reflect population shifts – many legislators retired after finding themselves in a politically unfriendly district or being paired in the same district with another member. Estimates expect over one-third of the Minnesota Legislature not to return again in 2023. With that comes immense loss of legislative and policy expertise, but also great opportunity and hope for movement on important issues in the future.



Very few of MNAAP’s legislative policy priorities passed this past session. In fact, very few bills were passed entirely. MNAAP was happy to see a bipartisan mental health package pass into law, dedicating nearly $100 million to mental health needs, including school and child mental health grants. However, the relative inaction on many major policy priorities was frustrating to many.



Looking ahead to the upcoming legislative session, the state constitution requires a state budget be finalized before the new fiscal year in July. Since the legislature will need to pass a state budget, the prospect of expanded state funding for early childhood initiatives will certainly be on the table. The future of other major MNAAP priority items, such as commonsense firearm reform, legislation to increase childhood vaccination rates, and reproductive healthcare policy, will largely depend on the outcome of the upcoming election.



On Tuesday, Nov. 8, Minnesotans will elect an entirely new government in the state. That is, all 201 state legislators and the five constitutional officers (governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, and state auditor) will be up for election.&nbsp;



Early voting in Minnesota goes through Monday, Nov. 7, including for those interested in voting-by-mail. More information can be found on the secretary of state’s website at <a href="http://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/.">www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/.</a>

November Elections Will Bring Entirely New Government

Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital is seeking a board certified/board eligible outpatient Pediatric Physician to join our busy and growing primary care clinic practice. Grand Itasca is a fully integrated multi-specialty clinic and hospital located in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.

Pediatric Physician

Partners in Pediatrics, Ltd. is seeking a full time BC/BE Pediatrician. The standard work week for a full-time pediatrician is 4 days a week plus a rotation of nights and weekends. Night and weekend shifts are shared equally among all providers. The salary package is competitive. You will have paid time off (PTO) and be given a CME allowance as well as CME days to further your medical education. We offer health, dental, disability and life insurance. You will also be eligible for a lucrative profit sharing 401(k). For inquiries, please contact our recruiting leads, Dr. Lisa Irvin at lirvin@pipstop.com and Dr. Megan Camerino at mcarmerino@pipstop.com

BC/BE Pediatrician

We’re excited to announce an opening for a Communications Manager at the Minnesota Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (MNAAP). This part-time, remote role is a unique opportunity for a communications professional with at least five years of experience, who is passionate about advancing child health through advocacy, education, and special projects.

Legislative Updates Updates