Dear Neighbors,
I hope this finds you and yours well, and with an opportunity to enjoy the budding trees and chirping birds with spring in full bloom in Minnesota.
Budget negotiations in the Legislature are ongoing. With less than three days until adjournment, we’re working hard in the House to wrap up major bills and find compromise with the Senate on various provisions in each major area of the state budget.
As you know, I’ve been focused primarily on the environment and natural resources portion of the budget, as I’m serving as a House conferee to find a deal with my Senate counterparts. You may have seen in the news recently that Senate Majority members have indicated their intent to cut funding for state parks and closing the Minnesota Zoo if any clean cars provision is a part of final negotiations, despite a recent ruling that permits the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency the authority to implement clean car planning.
The House conferees were present this morning and ready to work. Unfortunately, not a single Senate conferee showed up. We could be getting a lot of important policy and the 2020 and 2021 LCCMR bills done, but we need a quorum to do so.
At a time when state park attendance is at an all-time high, our Zoo is struggling to stay afloat, and Minnesotans are expecting lawmakers to get the job done, this obstructionist positioning isn’t helpful. I’ll continue to do my part to find common ground for the people of 33B and Minnesota.
PSYPACT Legislation Update
I’m pleased to share my bill to allow Minnesota to join PSYPACT, an interstate compact that will allow licensed psychologists to practice telehealth across state lines in other member states, is one step closer to becoming law. We’re working on fine-tuning the final version in conference committee to sort out minor differences with the Senate’s version. As the chief House author, I’m serving as lead negotiator, along with chief Senate author Senator Michelle Benson. Expanding mental health access to all Minnesotans is important and needed now more than ever.
Civility Caucus
I appreciate all the legislators who came to our Civility Caucus meeting! We need to find ways to problem solve constructively together, and these meetings are a part of that. We face complex challenges and with the only divided legislature in the United States, we must come together to craft a budget that works for Minnesota.
Meeting with Orono Police Chief Farniok
I appreciate Chief Farniok of the Orono Police Department taking the time to talk about law enforcement in our communities and Minnesota. These are important conversations and I’m grateful for the dialogue. All Minnesotans deserve excellent law enforcement that meets the highest standards, and law enforcement should be recognized for their excellence. They do so much great work that can go unrecognized. For example: Chief Farniok’s officers have saved 8 people from opioid overdose death with Narcan so far this year. Thank you for your leadership and your service to our communities, Chief!
CDC Guidance Update
Governor Walz announced yesterday the end of Minnesota’s statewide mask requirement, aligning Minnesota with new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance on face coverings. Minnesotans who are not fully vaccinated are still strongly encouraged to wear face coverings indoors.
Private businesses and local municipalities may keep in place face covering requirements. Mask guidance for schools and childcare settings remain in effect.
Now that supply has increased, the state also recently announced new walk-in opportunities to receive a vaccine.
Starting yesterday, Minnesotans aged 12- through 17-years-old will be eligible to get vaccinated at the state sites that have the Pfizer vaccine available in Bloomington (Mall of America), Saint Paul (Roy Wilkins Auditorium), Lino Lakes, and Oakdale. Appointments for 12-17-year-olds are not necessary and these sites take walk-ins, with a parent or guardian present. Minnesotans aged 16 or 17 must receive permission from a parent or guardian, either in person through being accompanied by a parent or guardian, or online beforehand through the appointment scheduling and registration process. Families are highly encouraged to join 12- 17-year-olds and get vaccinated at the same time.
How Minnesotans Can Get their Shot at No Cost:
- Walk in or make an appointment through the Vaccine Connector at one of the state’s COVID-19 Community Vaccination Program locations:VaccineConnector.mn.gov.
- Appointment hotline: 833-431-2053
- Mon-Fri, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. & Sat, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Use the state’s Vaccine Locator Map to find a vaccine provider near you:https://mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/find-vaccine/locations/index.jsp.
- Check for vaccine appointments using the Vaccine Finder onhttps://www.vaccines.gov/. You can search for appointments by vaccine type (e.g., Pfizer).
- Contact your primary health care provider or a local pharmacy.
- Employers may also reach out with information about vaccination opportunities.
The Legislature will continue to work throughout the weekend. Please always feel free to reach out at rep.kelly.morrison@house.mn or at 651-296-4315. I’m grateful for the opportunity provide assistance and help answer questions.
Enjoy the weekend!
Take care,
Kelly