Dear Neighbors,
Governor Walz today announced that starting next Tuesday, all Minnesotans aged 16 or older will become eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. If you haven’t done so, now is the time to sign up for the state’s COVID-19 Vaccine Connector which will alert you to vaccine opportunities. You’re also encouraged to contact your healthcare provider, local pharmacy or use the Vaccine Locator Map to search for nearby vaccine providers.
While all Minnesotans will become eligible next Tuesday, not every Minnesotan will be immediately able to make an appointment. Vaccine shipments from the federal government will continue increasing over the coming weeks, but for now demand will still exceed supply. Providers will be directed to keep prioritizing older Minnesotans, those with underlying health conditions, and those in frontline jobs. Following that, they will have the flexibility to give appointments to others eligible. Starting next week, we’re expected to receive much larger quantities of the vaccine which should quickly accelerate distribution.
After committees wrap up work today, the Minnesota Legislature will begin a customary weeklong recess to observe the Easter and Passover holidays. If you celebrate, I wish you a safe celebration with loved ones. Here is an update on some of our work this week:
Securing Worker’s Compensation for First Responders
Last year, we passed a bill to ensure these Minnesotans on the frontline of this pandemic would receive workers’ compensation if they contracted COVID-19 or were exposed to it on the job. That provision is set to expire on May 1, but first responders are still in a vulnerable position- especially with new variants of the virus appearing across the west metro. Yesterday, we passed a bill that would extend that deadline. Nurses, doctors, paramedics, EMTs, firefighters, police officers, correctional officers, and child care workers are covered under this proposal.
Summer Learning Plan Advances
We know students, parents, and families have been hit hard by the pandemic, academically and emotionally. The robust summer learning package we passed on Tuesday would help address learning loss through hands-on tutoring and programming, ensures our students have an opportunity to get caught up, and provides critical mental health support to those who need it. Mental health support has been a significant issue of interest in our town hall meetings, and I was glad to support this bill to get the extra help our students need and deserve.
Legislation Update
It’s past time to stop using chlorpyrifos in Minnesota. As the American Academy of Pediatrics stated: “There is a wealth of science demonstrating the detrimental effects of chlorpyrifos exposure to developing fetuses, infants, children and pregnant women. The risk to infant and children’s health and development is unambiguous.” This is our opportunity to act on a state level to pass my bill to ban this dangerous neurotoxin and find better, safer and healthier ways to grow our food supply.
Connecting with Community
Many thanks to this amazing group of Orono Public School educators, school board members and volunteers for meeting to talk about their legislative priorities. Your dedication to the district’s kids is inspiring – thank you for your incredible work!
Thank you to these Minnetonka Public School educators and advocates for meeting to talk about their legislative priorities. So much gratitude for their work always, but especially over this past year!
Keep in Touch
Please reach out anytime with input or questions at rep.kelly.morrison@house.mn. I value hearing from you! I’m grateful for the opportunity to provide assistance when you need it.
Working with you and for all of our 33B residents is an honor. Thank you!
Take good care and enjoy the weekend.
Sincerely,
Kelly