Securing Safe Elections, Bringing Transparency to Drug Prices, Raising Tobacco Age

The August statewide primary election and the November general election are quickly approaching, and candidates are working to secure public office. On this week's program, Secretary of State Steve Simon talks with Capitol Report Moderator Shannon Loehrke about the use of federal funds to improve election security and efforts underway to protect voters' safety amid the pandemic.

Over the past few years, lawmakers have sought ways to address the rising costs of health care. A bill to bring greater transparency to the cost of prescription drugs is now law, and Senator Julie Rosen, R-Vernon Center, talks about the benefits of the new law.

Federal law says a person must be 21 to buy tobacco products. In Minnesota, the current age is 18...for now. On August 1, a new state law will match federal law, requiring purchasers of tobacco products to be at least 21 years old. Senator Carla Nelson explains the years-long process of raising the age in Minnesota.

Also on the program, highlights from Senate Assistant Minority Leader Jeff Hayden's press conference regarding the death of George Floyd.