On Monday, the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee held its final scheduled hearing of the 2022 Legislative Session. With just nine days until the third legislative deadline, we’ve effectively missed the opportunity to make a difference on issues like catalytic converter theft, price gouging, consumer protection, and other bills that would lower costs and protect Minnesotans.
In response, committee lead Senator Susan Kent (DFL-Woodbury) and Senator Lindsey Port (DFL-Burnsville) released the following statement:
“Minnesotans expect their legislators to do the work they need to in the limited time we have in session. In two years, our committee has held a minimal number of hearings, and despite its name, has yet to deliver on legislation that would protect Minnesota consumers and level the playing field for small businesses. In fact, in both years our main accomplishment has been delivering hundreds of millions of dollars to insurance companies.
“When consumers are getting squeezed at a time of record corporate profits and facing rising costs in gas, groceries, and utilities, we must act. We have important work to do, and we still have time to do it.
“Our colleagues have made clear what their priorities are. With nine days until the third legislative deadline, we request additional hearings to address what Minnesotans are asking for. Let’s take action on price gouging, consumer protection, and catalytic converter theft, and let’s stand up against corporate profiteering.”