Vaccinations Ramp Up As Third Vaccine Arrives in Minnesota
On March 3rd, the first Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine doses arrived in Minnesota. It is exciting and reassuring that we will now have a third vaccine that is highly effective in keeping Minnesotans safe. This new vaccine is only a single-dose and does not require cold-storage, so we can likely get it deployed much quicker.
Our state is already a leader in vaccination, ranking 3rd among states for the percentage of doses received that have been administered. I am hopeful that we can achieve herd immunity and end this pandemic even sooner than expected. Precautionary safety measures such as wearing a mask and social distancing are still necessary, but the end is in sight.
If you have not already, get signed up with Minnesota’s Vaccine Connector by clicking HERE, to get notified on when a vaccination is available for you.
You are invited to join Rep. Kotyza-Witthuhn, Sen. Cwodzinski, and me on Tuesday, March 16 at 7 p.m. for a virtual town hall. We are now in the third month of the 2021 Legislative Session and we would like to hear your comments on the work ahead.
I am still taking your feedback on issues that may be discussed this legislative session. Your priorities are important to me. Please take a moment to click on this link and complete my legislative survey. [You may note this survey was created prior to the February forecast announcement and question #4 doesn’t reflect the current $1.6 billion projected positive balance].
Planning for a Successful Session of Compromise and Activism
Minnesota is the only state legislature in the nation divided evenly between Democrats and Republicans. This has been the case since 2019, and we once again have a unique opportunity to be a model for the rest of the country. Our compromise two years ago to save the provider tax showed that divided government can work for the people, and this year we are going to prove that once again. Big debates over COVID relief will dominate the budget discussion, regarding things like PPP loan taxability, working family relief, and healthcare affordability. Together, with the intention of making our world a better place, I believe we can have a successful legislative session.
Many of you have written in to share your thoughts on some of these subjects, in addition to other issues as well. Some of the topics I’ve received the most emails on have been:
I am still taking your feedback on issues that may be discussed this legislative session. Your priorities are important to me. Please take a moment to click on this link and complete my legislative survey.
You are invited to join Rep. Kotyza-Witthuhn, Sen. Cwodzinski, and me on Tuesday, March 16 for a virtual town hall. Details to follow.
Paid Family Medical Leave
This week, we heard compelling testimony in the Early Childhood Finance and Policy Committee, of which I serve as Vice-Chair, on the Paid Family Medical Leave bill. Whether we need to stay home to care for ourselves when sick, bond with a new baby, or help an aging parent, every Minnesotan should have time to care for themselves or a loved one. You can watch the committee here.
COVID-19 Vaccine Update
Anticipating more COVID-19 vaccine arriving in Minnesota, Governor Walz this week announced the strategy and next phases of vaccine distribution. Also announced was a plan to vaccinate 70% of all seniors by the end of March.
The Vaccine Connector is another tool to link Minnesotans with a vaccine. For now, there is more demand than supply, but every Minnesotan will have an opportunity to get vaccinated as more supply arrives in the weeks and months ahead. It will just take time, and the Vaccine Connector is another tool Minnesotans can use to be prepared.
Everyone can work to reduce the spread of COVID-19
Wear masks when in public. 10-50% of virus carriers are asymptomatic (are not experiencing any symptoms). Wearing masks helps control the virus and has been shown to lessen COVID-19 spread.
Avoid enclosed spaces with groups of people, where the virus can linger in the air for long periods of time.
Get tested if you have cold or flu-like symptoms.
Stay six feet away from others.
Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or sleeve, or a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands afterwards.
Washing your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom or before eating. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Avoid touching your face – especially your eyes, nose, and mouth – with unwashed hands.
The Minnesota House will continue to operate remotely, as we did throughout most of 2020. The House will ensure openness and transparency for the public by expanding the number of simultaneous committees it can webcast live from a maximum of two to five, so you can stay current on issues moving through committees this budget session.
Also, the Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services offers nonpartisan recaps of high-profile bills, committee hearings, and floor sessions with their Session Daily publication. Subscribe to receive these here. To track bills of interest through the legislative process, I encourage you to utilize the MyBills feature on the Minnesota House of Representatives’ website here.
Please continue to reach out with any input, ideas, or feedback about the issues important to you. I value hearing from you, so please don’t hesitate to call or email me any time. You can also connect with me on Facebook here. It’s an honor to represent you at the State Capitol.
I hope you are all able to stay warm and safe during this extreme weather. Help is available with utility bills, to repair or replace homeowners’ malfunctioning furnaces, and to purchase fuel for delivery in emergencies through Minnesota’s Energy Assistance Program (EAP). Homeowners and renters with young children, people with disabilities, veterans, seniors, and those experiencing unemployment or financial hardship because of the COVID-19 pandemic are especially encouraged to apply.
Thousands of Minnesotans were helped last year, and new applicants have until May 31, 2021 to apply. Funding is limited and administered on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, the state’s Cold Weather Rule is in effect until April 15 which prevents utility shut offs if you sign up for a payment plan with your energy provider. More information on these protections is available from the Public Utilities Commission
I’m looking forward to the slight warm-up next week!
Committees
This week, the Health Finance and Policy Committee gave unanimous support to HF 660, also known as the Dignity in Pregnancy and Childbirth Act. We heard compelling testimony on addressing the unacceptable disparities in maternal health and morbidity. In Minnesota, Black women are two to three times more likely to die and Native American women are more than four times likely to die of causes related to pregnancy and birth. Bill author, Rep. Ruth Richardson said, “A majority of these deaths, over 60% of them, are preventable.” You can watch the committee here.
The committee also heard an impressive list of experts on the overwhelming evidence of mask effectiveness (HF 604) to protect against the spread of COVID-19. Most Minnesotans have adopted the healthy habit of wearing a mask in public and, thankfully, cases are down.
I am pleased that the Clean Energy First measure, HF 10, is heading to the House floor. I am also an author of HF 802, which would move us to 90% clean energy by 2035. It also addresses cutting emissions and creating job opportunities in environmental justice communities.
Save the Date – Town Hall March 16
I hope you will be able to join Rep. Kotyza-Witthuhn, Sen. Cwodzinski, and me for a virtual town hall on Tuesday, March. 16. We will release more details as the date nears.
COVID-19 Vaccine Update
COVID-19 case numbers and positivity rates are trending downward in Minnesota. The vaccination process is improving as well. The federal government is gradually increasing the supply of doses, and the state is adapting the process to ensure that the vaccines we receive are distributed more effectively and equitably. More information is available on the state’s Vaccine Data Dashboard.
Health care workers and long-term care residents and staff will continue receiving the vaccine through their workplace, care facility, or local public health department. Educators, school staff, and child care workers will receive information from their employers. Minnesotans who are 65 or older can use this tool to find nearby vaccine providers and make an appointment.
Black History Month
February is Black History Month. While there has been some progress made in the fight for racial equity, there is more work ahead. COVID-19 has exposed existing racial disparities in our state that we can only address through bold legislation. To learn more about legislative action on this important issue, read the House Select Committee on Racial Justice’s report. Please also read the People of Color and Indigenous Caucus’ statement on Black History Month.
A reminder that spring is just a few weeks away!
Everyone can work to reduce the spread of COVID-19
Wear masks when in public. 10-50% of virus carriers are asymptomatic (are not experiencing any symptoms). Wearing masks helps control the virus and has been shown to lessen COVID-19 spread.
Avoid enclosed spaces with groups of people, where the virus can linger in the air for long periods of time.
Get tested if you have cold or flu-like symptoms.
Stay six feet away from others.
Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or sleeve, or a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands afterwards.
Washing your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom or before eating. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Avoid touching your face – especially your eyes, nose, and mouth – with unwashed hands.
The Minnesota House will continue to operate remotely, as they did throughout most of 2020. The House will ensure openness and transparency for the public by expanding the number of simultaneous committees it can webcast live from a maximum of two to five, so you can stay current on issues moving through committees this budget session.
Also, the Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services offers nonpartisan recaps of high-profile bills, committee hearings, and floor sessions with their Session Daily publication. Subscribe to receive these here. To track bills of interest through the legislative process, I encourage you to utilize the MyBills feature on the Minnesota House of Representatives’ website here.
Please continue to reach out with any input, ideas, or feedback about the issues important to you. I value hearing from you, so please don’t hesitate to call or email me any time. You can also connect with me on Facebook here. It’s an honor to represent you at the State Capitol.
While the pandemic isn’t over, we’ve received some good news with low rates of hospital admissions, an uptick in vaccination counts, and over 30 percent of Minnesotans 65 and older now vaccinated. With President Biden’s announcement yesterday that the US is securing 600 million more vaccine doses, there are many reasons to be optimistic, but not at the cost of losing the ground we’ve gained. Following current public health guidelines is key.
In the wake of this good news, today Governor Walz loosened restrictions on businesses. Effective Saturday, February 13 at noon, this new Executive Order takes steps to further reopen Minnesota’s economy safely, including:
Increasing the “not to exceed” capacity in restaurants to 250, while leaving the maximum capacity at 50 percent
Increasing indoor entertainment “not to exceed” capacity to 250, while leaving the maximum capacity at 25 percent
Increasing private events and celebrations “not to exceed” capacity to 50, while leaving the maximum capacity at 25
Increasing gym and pool “not to exceed” capacity to 250, while leaving maximum capacity at 25 percent, and reducing distancing requirement to 6 feet.
Allowing restaurants to stay open until 11 p.m.
I have received some feedback from neighbors on the vaccine lottery as well as questions on the process as a whole. Health care workers and long-term care residents are continuing to receive the vaccine through their workplace, care facility, or local public health department. Minnesotans age 65 or older and educators are also now receiving the vaccine. Those 65 or older who have yet to receive their first dose can find vaccine providers in their area and more information here. If you pre-registered for the COVID-19 Community Vaccination Program, you’ll be notified if you’re chosen through the random selection process. Educators, school staff, and child care workers will receive vaccine information from their employers.
Staying Warm This Winter
This weekend brings some of the coldest days yet for this winter, and Minnesotans struggling to pay their heating bills should know about our state’s Energy Assistance Program as well as the Cold Weather Rule. The Energy Assistance Program helped over 118,00 households pay heating bills last year, and you’re still able to apply – though applications are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. The program serves households that earn less than $54,357 for a household of four or $28,266 for a household of one. If you’re eligible, you can apply for assistance with your service provider. Call 800-657-3710 or visit the Commerce Department’s Energy Assistance Program webpage.
Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule (CWR) helps protect and reconnect your heat from October 15 through April 15. All electric and natural gas companies must offer CWR protection, with different types of payment plans available depending on your household income and which electric or natural gas company you have. You can find more information on how to take advantage of the CWR here.
Commerce Hearing on Cannabis
Next week, as vice chair of the House Commerce Committee, I’ll be hearing legislation on legalizing cannabis for adult-use. At the start of last session, House DFLers had just finished a statewide “Be Heard on Cannabis” listening session tour in communities across the state, including Eden Prairie. At that event I heard thoughtful, pragmatic responses from neighbors of varying perspectives, and now it’s time to continue that conversation in the legislative process.
The hearing will be the first-ever for a bill on the legalization of cannabis in Minnesota, and I promise to approach the issue with an open mind. It’s crucial that we address how Minnesota’s current laws have contributed to racial disparities in our criminal justice system by disproportionately impacting communities of color, despite comparable usage rates among white Minnesotans. We’ll be hearing the bill on Wednesday, February 17, at 3pm. You can visit the committee homepage that day to watch it live.
You can also stay up to date by “liking” and following my Facebook page, and be sure to subscribe and share these legislative updates. If you have any questions or comments for me, the best way to touch base is through email (rep.carlie.kotyza-witthuhn@house.mn) or phone (651/296-7449). I appreciate hearing from you.
This week in Health Finance and Policy committee, we heard testimony from University of Minnesota epidemiologist and world-renowned infectious disease expert, Dr. Michael Osterholm. He and other experts have great concern about the new variants of the virus, turning up in the United Kingdom, Portugal, Brazil, and South Africa, and are now seeing a new surge of cases followed by a devastating increase in hospitalizations and deaths.
Dr. Osterholm affirmed that it is just as important as ever to wear a mask when in public and to keep a physical distance from people outside your immediate household. He also spoke to the need to wear a good quality mask consisting of multiple layers and well fitted – and wearing it properly – and said there are too many pictures with noses showing above the mask.
I asked Dr. Osterholm how we can keep our spirits up and our mental health intact during these difficult days. You can watch our exchange here.
We’re just about done with our first month of the 2021 legislative session, and work is ramping up. This week, I presented my first bill of session in the House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee, where I also serve as the vice chair. My bill, which would cap fees for restaurants that partner with third-party food delivery services, passed its first hurdle in this committee and is on its way to another hearing in Judiciary Finance and Civil Law.
Throughout the pandemic, many Minnesotans have taken advantage of ordering delivery from their local restaurants – this serves a dual purpose of keeping your family safe and healthy with a restaurant meal at home while supporting a local business during these challenging times. The hospitality industry is facing an uphill road to recovery and this bill will provide much-needed relief to local businesses across the state and ensure they can continue serving our communities now and into the future.
This week in the Health Finance and Policy Committee, we heard legislation that aims to make sure everyone has access to affordable healthcare. Small business owners are one group who have been hurt by health plans with high premiums and high deductibles. The testifiers, including family farmers and “ma and pop” shop owners, told compelling stories about the difficult choices, worries, and heartaches that come from trying to maintain access to affordable healthcare for themselves, their families, and their employees. In addition to expanding the number of people who would be able to enroll in a public option, the bill is structured to maximize federal funding and to increase competition. New enrollees will be able to take advantage of lower out-of-pocket costs and access to a strong network of providers. You can watch the hearing here.
In the Preventive Health committee, we heard about the threat to public health caused by climate change. Extreme weather events (storms, floods, and droughts), degraded air quality, and infectious diseases carried by mosquitoes and ticks as they expand territory, are examples of how climate change is creating a health crisis in Minnesota and the world. You can watch the committee hearing here.
SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA –Today, the House Commerce Committee advanced legislation authored by vice chair Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn (DFL-Eden Prairie) to cap fees for restaurants that partner with third-party food delivery services.
“Throughout the pandemic, many Minnesotans have taken advantage of ordering delivery from their local restaurants – this serves a dual purpose of keeping your family safe and healthy with a restaurant meal at home while supporting a local business during these challenging times,” said Rep. Kotyza-Witthuhn. “The hospitality industry is facing an uphill road to recovery and this bill will provide much-needed relief to local businesses across the state and ensure they can continue serving our communities now and into the future.”
While the business model and fees for the third-party delivery platforms vary from one another, many eateries have reported paying commission of over 30% of the purchase price of the order.
