Read a PDF of the letter here.
March 20, 2024
Dear Chair Hassan, Vice Chair Hanson, and members of the Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee,
We are reaching out to convey the Minnesota Public Health Association's (MPHA’s) unwavering endorsement of HF2821, a crucial bill that seeks to create a framework for requesting a racial equity impact note for proposed legislation.
MPHA is a volunteer-driven professional organization with 350 public health professional members throughout the State of Minnesota. Our mission is to create a healthier Minnesota through effective public health practice and engaged citizens. We are an active, independent voice for public health in Minnesota. MHPA is an affiliate of the American Public Health Association whose mission is to improve the health of the public and achieve equity in health status for all Americans.
HF2821 aligns directly with MPHA's endeavors to foster a healthier Minnesota by incorporating a process for a Racial Equity Impact Note (REIN) into proposed legislation. A REIN is a systematic examination of how different racial and ethnic groups will likely be affected by a proposed action or decision. REINs are used to minimize unanticipated adverse consequences in a variety of contexts, including the analysis of proposed legislation, policies, institutional practices, programs, plans and budgetary decisions. The REIN provides an objective-based assessment to inform legislators and the public of potential racial economic disparities that may be exacerbated or created by proposed legislation. It can be a vital tool for preventing institutional racism and for identifying new options to remedy long-standing inequities.[1]
As underscored by the House Select Committee on Racial Justice’s: Report to the Legislature[2], these racial economic disparities are deeply rooted in structural inequities, including racism, housing insecurity, and economic instability. Furthermore, racism was declared a public health crisis[3] in 2020 by the Minnesota House of Representatives and is aligned with MPHA’s Declaration of Racism is a Public Health Crisis Resolution.[4]
Research conducted by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota has revealed the staggering economic toll of health inequities in our state[5], estimating that addressing these disparities could save billions of dollars annually. Similarly, the Center for Advancing Research in Health Equity[6] (CARHE) at the University of Minnesota emphasizes the urgency of implementing policies aimed at advancing health equity and addressing the social determinants of health.
HF2821 has the capacity to enhance governance, foster economic stability, and make significant progress in promoting racial and health equity in Minnesota by incorporating REINs into the legislative process.
Furthermore, this bill aligns with Voices for Racial Justice's approach as outlined in their Racial Equity Impact Assessment Pocket Guide[7], which emphasizes the importance of integrating racial equity impact into policy and decision-making processes.
“We know that although Minnesota is one of the healthiest states in the country, not all of our communities are afforded the same opportunities for health.[8]” The enactment of HF2821 marks a significant milestone in the journey towards closing some of these gaps and for creating a fair and inclusive society for every resident of Minnesota. We strongly encourage your backing for this essential bill and guarantee its prompt approval by the Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee.
We appreciate your consideration of this issue. If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@mpha.net.
Sincerely,
Antonia Apolinario-Wilcoxon, Ed.D
President, Minnesota Public Health Association