End of Session Review: Senator Chris Eaton
DFL State Senator Chris Eaton of Brooklyn Center says the legislative session was “difficult for anyone with a moral compass.”
For the third year, Chris Eaton worked to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for the opioid epidemic.
In the end, there are no new funds to address the costs of opioid addiction.
“It’s very disappointing,” says Eaton. “I’ve said to many people, the people of Minnesota lost and the special interests, big pharma, Medical Alley, the chamber, all who had a lobbyist at the capitol in droves, won.”
Passed: Chris Eaton Pleased with Funding for Highway 252 and Parks, Trails
Other local projects that did pass include funding for converting Highway 252 in Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park to a freeway.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation has announced about $130 million toward the $163 million dollar construction project.
Senator Eaton is also pleased Brooklyn Center will get some of the $10 million in funding to improve metro area regional parks.
Eaton expects the Three Rivers Park District will use the money to improve trails in Brooklyn Center.
“Connected trails to the rest of the system, so that will be good,” says Eaton. “A lot of people use them. I know it goes right through my neighborhood, so they’re well utilized, and I think that’s positive.”
Work Left to Do: Opioid Epidemic
Senator Eaton vows to continue her work on the opioid epidemic.
Eaton says the results of the November elections will affect the path she pursues next.
She will either bring legislation back to the legislature, or she will talk to the attorney general about a lawsuit against the big pharmaceutical companies.
