Dear Neighbors,
I hope those who celebrate Easter or Passover had a nice celebration and that everyone had a chance to enjoy the spring weather we had last weekend!
Legislators gaveled back in for session on Monday after our customary mid-session recess to observe the holidays. The Legislature is assembling budget bills and committees spent the week vetting them, adopting amendments, and most importantly, hearing from the public.
Here’s an update from the Capitol:
Paycheck Protection Program and Unemployment Insurance Conformity Progress
As a result of the pandemic, we know many businesses in our 33B communities have suffered over the past year. During these challenging times, Minnesota and the nation must do all we can to support our small business community.
The House is taking a comprehensive approach to supporting businesses and workers by getting them the relief they need and deserve. Our assistance plan includes conformity to those businesses who received the PPP loans, assistance to businesses who received a loan but saw no income in 2020, help to businesses who did not receive PPP loans, and tax cuts to workers who lost their jobs and received federal taxable unemployment insurance.
Please be assured I continue to work diligently with all my colleagues on bipartisan solutions to assist small businesses, individuals, and families as we continue to navigate through what we hope is the end of the pandemic.
Vaccine Update
Minnesota has administered 3 million vaccines, which marks an exciting milestone and gives us much to look forward to with summer just around the corner. Even with this good news, we can’t let our guard down; we’re in a race to beat the spread of more contagious variants with efforts underway to vaccinate as many Minnesotans as possible. Demand continues to outpace supply, but dose allotments are increasing and more opportunities to get vaccinated are gradually becoming available. If you haven’t already, signing up for Minnesota’s COVID-19 Vaccine Connector is a great resource to connect you to vaccine opportunities nearby, like community vaccination sites.
Here are a couple helpful things to keep in mind when you are scheduling an appointment:
▪ 16 and 17 year olds can only receive the Pfizer vaccine. Clinics will indicate what vaccine will be used.
▪ Second doses of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are guaranteed. Check with on-site staff to confirm what time and place your second shot will be given.
Hints for scheduling:
▪ If a clinic shows that it has available appointments, but when you click the blue button it says, “Clinic does not have any appointment slots available,” it is because the clinic is full. Check back at a later time for more appointments.
▪ If the appointments page says “No clinics to show,” no clinic spots are available at this time.
▪ Use Google Chrome for best results.
▪ Do not use the filter options — scroll down and all appointments will be listed.
▪ Using a desktop computer works best.
We’re in the final home stretch of this pandemic! Let’s stay vigilant and keep each other safe by wearing a mask (even if you’ve already been vaccinated), maintaining a distance, washing hands frequently and getting tested if you think you may have been exposed, or if you don’t feel well.
Grants Available
Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council Funding Approximately $100 million is available in grants, approved by the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, to aid Minnesota habitat restoration, preservation, and enhancement in our community. The process is competitive and open to all who wish to apply. I have contacted the mayors of our cities about these opportunities as well.
Proposal requirements and terms of funding are outlined in the Call for Funding Request. To view details or learn more, visit: www.lsohc.leg.mn. For answers to specific questions, contact LSOHC Staff: www.lsohc.leg.mn/staff.
Requests are due to the LSOHC by Thursday, May 27, 2021 at 4 p.m. The funds for approved programs signed into law during the 2022 legislative session will be available Thursday, July 1, 2022. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you need help navigating through the application process.
Keep in Touch
Please continue to reach out with questions, input, or to let me know how I can be of assistance at rep.kelly.morrison@house.mn or 651-296-4315. Thank you for the honor of representing our 33B residents and families in the Minnesota House!
Have a great weekend.
Take good care,
Kelly