Dear John,

Happy, happy Friday – hope you all had a wonderful week!

For this week’s newsletter, I wanted to give you an update on an effort I’ve been focused on for quite some time now: lowering the cost of insulin in the United States.

Insulin is a drug millions of Americans rely on to survive. To me it’s simple: if you rely on a drug to live, you should be able to access and afford it.

But here in the United States – one of the richest countries in the world – the price of insulin has skyrocketed so high that some people are being forced to choose between their insulin and housing.

That shouldn’t be the case – and I’ve been working hard to change that.

Last year, I wrote and passed a bill to cap insulin copays at $35/month for Americans on both Medicare and private health insurance: the Affordable Insulin Now Act. And last August, parts of that bill were signed into law as part of the Inflation Reduction Act: capping insulin copays for seniors on Medicare at $35/month.

That cap was a big deal – it helps our seniors live happier, healthier lives and puts real-life savings back into their pockets. But to me, that was just the start.

As we celebrate the one-year anniversary of the signing of that bill, I am more motivated than ever to ensure insulin is affordable for everyone.

That’s why I’m pushing so hard to pass my Affordable Insulin Now Act again – to ensure that those on private health insurance can access the same benefits and savings those on Medicare have been able to. And we still have work to do to ensure the uninsured have access to insulin they can afford as well.

I’m determined to keep up the work until we make it happen.

And as we are in the middle of Farm Bill season, I wanted to share an ag update with all of you today!

I just introduced a bill with my Republican colleague, Rep. Mark Alford. Our bill, the bipartisan Biomanufacturing and Jobs Act, would strengthen a federal program that increases access to bio-based products – which are products derived from plants and other renewable materials.

Expanding our supply of bio-based products is a win-win for our economy, environment and Minnesota’s family farmers. This bipartisan bill will strengthen and stabilize markets for family farmers and promote good-paying manufacturing jobs right here at home – and I’m working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get it passed.

Behind the scenes with Rep. Craig:

If you’ve been to my DC office recently – you’ve probably seen this sign hanging up behind the front desk. My team updates this sign every day with gas and commodity prices to ensure we know how it’s going for you and our family farmers. We need to do everything we can to make sure we get the Farm Bill done this year!

Next time you’re in the office, make sure to check it out!

That’s it from me! Look forward to seeing everyone at the State Fair this week!

Until next time,
 

Angie Craig

Member of Congress