Dear Neighbors,
The recent weather we’ve been having is a hopeful start to finally return to a normal summer full of community events, travel, and outdoor activities. Vaccinations are approaching the finish line and Minnesota has managed to champion distribution efforts nationally! With all Minnesotans currently available to receive their COVID-19 vaccine, it is now important to stay on top of available appointments and grab your spot in line for a shot or two.
Governor Tim Walz and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced a new federal Community Vaccination Clinic in Minnesota: The site will be located at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds and receive 168,000 doses over eight weeks. It will prepare to administer a combination of Pfizer and J&J doses, which will result in over 100,000 total people being vaccinated during the eight week period. Vaccinations will begin at the Fairgrounds on April 14 and serve Minnesotans living in the highest Social Vulnerability Index zip codes near the Fairgrounds.
Make sure you are signed up for the Vaccine Connector for accessible information and appointments, or call 833-431-2053 for assistance on the phone. You can also check with your health insurance carrier to help you find out when, where, and how to get a vaccine.
Legislative Action to Protect Survivors
Sexual assault survivors have historically been silenced and stripped from getting justice or even the opportunity to pursue justice. Recenly, the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that people voluntarily consuming alcohol are not protected under the definition of “mentally incapacitated” and will be denied justice under the law. Intoxicated survivors are incapable of giving consent and the Court’s ruling is further enabling predatory behavior that endangers not just women, but any person of any age by sending a message that this sort of thing is tolerated in Minnesota. We must do better and keep our neighbors safe.
Legislative action needs to be speedy and swift in response to this issue. I am committed to support legislation that would tackle this loophole and correct the state’s criminal sexual conduct (CSC) statutes. Minnesotans deserve urgent action.
Putting Minnesotans First: House DFL Budget Bills
On Monday, the House DFL revealed our omnibus budget bills which will be a guide for many of our conversations during the rest of the session as we work to create a budget to address disparities, recover economically and look out for Minnesotans that need a little extra care. Our commitment to Minnesota children, families, and main street businesses remain a priority and through this budget we hope to ensure everyone can successfully run through the approaching finish line after the long year we have all had.
These bills reflect hours of hearings, expert input, bipartisan dialogue for a better future in Minnesota. More information on the budget details can be found here, and you can watch our press conference here.
Stay In Touch
You can stay up to date on our work by subscribing to these legislative updates and “liking” my official Facebook page. For any questions you have on the resources available to our community or our work in the Minnesota House, you can reach me at rep.andrew.carlson@house.mn or leave a voicemail at (651) 296-4218. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Andrew Carlson
State Representative