Minnesota Legislature 44 , CD3 DFL

House Ways & Means Committee reviews recommendations to deliver racial justice in Minnesota

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – Yesterday, the Minnesota House Ways and Means Committee reviewed the House Select Committee on Racial Justice’s report to the Legislature. Rep. Rena Moran (DFL – Saint Paul), who chairs the Ways and Means Committee, and Rep. Ruth Richardson (DFL – Mendota Heights) served as co-chairs of the Select Committee.

The final version of the report, which the Select Committee approved in December, was released today. It calls on the Legislature to act to dismantle racism through a series of policy recommendations in areas such as economic development, housing, education, public safety, health and human services, and environmental justice.

“It’s time for the Minnesota Legislature to deliberately and thoughtfully devote the capacity we have to address the significant, numerous, and urgent inequities Black, Indigenous, and people of color continue to face,” Rep. Moran said. “It’s about undoing past and present inequities in our laws and practices and working toward building a state and future that positions Minnesota to lead the nation in achieving racial equity.”

Rep. Samantha Vang (HD40B) Update: January 25, 2021

Dear Neighbors,

With Presidents Biden’s inauguration and the meeting of the 117th Congress under Democrat control for the next two years we have a very rare opportunity to make lasting progress for our state and the entire nation. At the Legislature I will continue to fight for the most vulnerable and the marginalized. While there is renewed hope, we have to remember that we are still a wounded nation where lies and tyranny are tolerated by far too many. We must remain vigilant in fighting for progress, justice, and the rights of all people.

Vaccine Pilot Program Launches

Last week, Minnesota announced an important next step in the process of delivering the COVID-19 vaccine to certain priority groups. A pilot program will establish new vaccination sites throughout the state, and individuals who are 65 years or older, as well as school staff and child care workers (who have been notified by their employer that they’re eligible), will now be able to make appointments to receive the vaccine. If you are a school staff member or child care worker you will schedule an appointment through your employer. You can watch me discuss this pilot program with the Mayor of Brooklyn Center Mike Elliot and other community leaders here.

If you fall into these groups, initial appointments are now full as they were extremely limited. You can book appointments online here, or by phone at 612-426-7230 or toll free at 833-431-2053. New appointments won’t be available until tomorrow, Tuesday, January 26 at 12 pm. If you encounter problems or need help navigating this process, please contact me.

Gov. Walz, Lt. Gov. Flanagan, House & Senate DFL Energy Leads Announce Plan to Achieve 100 Percent Clean Energy in Minnesota by 2040

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced a set of policy proposals that will lead Minnesota to 100 percent clean energy in the state’s electricity sector by 2040. The policies build on the success that Minnesota has already achieved in reducing dependence on fossil fuels and increasing the use of clean energy resources to power the state while ensuring reliable, affordable electricity.

“The time to fight climate change is now,” said Governor Walz. “Not only is clean energy the right and responsible choice for future generations, clean energy maximizes job creation and grows our economy, which is especially important as we work to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. I am proud to announce a set of policy proposals that will lead Minnesota to 100% clean energy in the state’s electricity sector by 2040. Minnesotans have the ingenuity and innovation needed to power this future, and we are ready to pioneer the green energy economy.”

“We must take immediate action to protect our earth for future generations,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “Burning fossil fuels pollutes our environment, permanently changes our climate for the worse, and wastes money on inefficient and outdated practices. This plan sets a clear path and destination for Minnesota’s clean energy future. Minnesota should be a state that continues to lead on the clean energy economy, and we know we can.”

Sen. John Hoffman (SD36) Update: January 22, 2021

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Week three has come in a flurry as we try to bring up bills that were missed last year after the initial shut down and covid relief as well as handle business that needs to be done this year.

I am deeply grateful and honored to be the ranking member in Human Services Reform. Over the last couple of weeks we have begun moving legislation and holding hearings on everything from disability services to behavioral health, including mental health care and substance abuse recovery in our state and the dire need for supports and services. Working across the aisle we have seen real facts be acknowledged and begun the process of changing that is required to enhance what our state has to offer.

It will be an incredibly fast session as the first deadlines were announced for March. I will keep fighting to make this challenge productive as we move forward and continue the good work already started.

Sen. Jerry Newton (SD37) Update: January 22, 2021

Vaccines

The Minneapolis VA has expanded vaccine appointments for this weekend (January 23 & 24), Veterans who are eligible for VA Health Care and are 75 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER who have not already scheduled COVID vaccine appointments should call (612) 467-1100 or toll free at 1-866-414-5058 to schedule their first appointment for this weekend.

The VA is offering vaccines only to eligible enrolled Veterans in current priority groups. It will continue to expand the list of eligible enrolled Veterans who are actively invited to schedule appointments.

Enrolled Veterans who do not meet current criteria are strongly encouraged to document their interests in being vaccinated at the VA medical center.

Sen. Melisa Franzen (SD49) Update: January 22, 2021

Volume 6, Issue 3

January 22, 2021

Weekly Review Video

A weekly message from your Senator

Dear Constituents and Friends,

I continue to have many meeting with people lately to discuss legislative priorities and planning the 2021 – 2022 legislation. This legislative session feels extremely different than past session due to COVID-19. In the past in-person meetings were the norm, our hallways were always filled with people and I could meet with people face to face! This session has been completely different, we still have virtual committee hearings, virtual meetings, and hybrid floor sessions. As the Senate DFL Assistant Minority Leader, I still go into the office spend more time at the Senate Building. We are all trying to learn and adjust to the needs of everyone involved in the legislative process, please understand that this legislative session will continue to look different than past sessions.

Rep. Michael Howard (HD50A) Update: January 22, 2021

Dear Neighbors,

One story from President Trump’s inauguration has stayed with me and has been on my mind for days. A Richfield student told me that as her class watched the inauguration and heard President Trump’s speech, an African-American classmate of hers began to quietly weep. She went over to her classmate, gave her a hug, and they cried together. Then the next day, they applied to serve on our local Human Rights Commission.

Empathy, decency and collective action. This is how we got through these last four years and how we will emerge stronger. Four years later, I hope those students were watching together as Kamala Harris was sworn-in as Vice President, becoming the first woman, first Black person, and first Asian American to hold the office. I hope they were watching as President Biden denounced white supremacy and pledged to be a president for ALL Americans. And I hope they, like millions of Americans, felt pride and purpose in the promise of tomorrow in these United States of America.

Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: January 22, 2021

Neighbors,

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris took their oath of office this week against a backdrop of political division, a worldwide pandemic, and the economic fallout of COVID-19. I am optimistic their leadership will provide a path to heal our nation and, during this difficult time, it is a hopeful sign that our democracy endures.

Vaccine distribution update

The federal government instructed states to open vaccinations to everyone over 65 and the state has set up nine pilot sites across Minnesota to administer the vaccines. While appointments are currently full, check back on the site. Available spots will refresh every Tuesday at noon. The vaccine supply is limited, but this program will help our state prepare to distribute vaccines quickly and equitably when they become available. We are receiving about 65,000 doses a week and from what I am reading, it will be April before that number significantly increases.

The vaccination program continues to be impactful and we are reaching seniors, who have been hit so tragically hard by this disease. All 369 of our skilled nursing homes received their first dose and are on track to finish vaccinations in both residents and staff by early February. Last week seniors living in assisted living centers began receiving their first doses and vaccinations to this group should be completed by the end of February.

Rep. Kristin Bahner (HD34B) Update: January 22, 2021

Welcome back to session, much is new this year including many more opportunities for citizens to participate and view online hearings on a variety of topics.

This year I have the privilege to serve as the Vice Chair to the Human Services Committee. I will continue to work on the Health Services Committee as well. Both allow me the ability to exercise my keen interest in issues around access to affordable healthcare and prescription drugs and making healthcare work to provide better outcomes and preventative care for families. My passion is always on finding ways to strive toward the economic and physical health of our families. All too often, these issues need a good dose of common sense.

I will also serve on the Redistricting Committee this year and look forward to the hard work ahead to create fair and equitable outcomes for all Minnesotans across the state. Finally I will be on the State Government and Elections Committee. Some of you may recall I served as Vice Chair on Elections last year and continue to be a strong advocate for access to the vote and fair electoral process reforms. Work on the committee also allows me to continue my work on governmental reforms and technology, cyber and privacy concerns.

Rep. Zack Stephenson (HD36A) Update: January 22, 2021

Dear Neighbors,

I hope you’ve had a safe and enjoyable week. Committee work is underway and we’ve hit the ground running in the House.

Our primary focus continues to be working with the Senate on bipartisan COVID-19 support strategies for our families, workers, students, and businesses.

Last week, my House colleagues and I announced a legislative package to deliver additional assistance to Minnesotans now, so we’re able to bounce back quickly post-pandemic. Highlights of the plan include: additional investments to broadband infrastructure, so our businesses and schools have access to a stable and reliable internet connection; education support that aims to reverse learning loss for students who have been receiving their education via hybrid or distance learning; and partnering with the federal government to expedite the COVID-19 vaccine distribution and administration in Minnesota.

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Vaccines

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Weekly Review Video

A weekly message from your Senator

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