Dear Neighbors,
As you may have heard, Governor Walz unveiled a COVID-19 vaccination plan earlier this week. The goal is to quickly, equitably, and safely deliver the vaccine to Minnesotans in every corner of the state in partnership with the federal government and local communities.
No vaccine is available yet, but two pharmaceutical companies – Pfizer and Moderna – have submitted vaccines for FDA approval. Pfizer’s passed a critical milestone yesterday, when an FDA advisory panel formally recommended authorizing it. Other vaccines are currently in clinical trials. Once one is approved, there will be 25 distribution hubs set up across the state to receive vaccine deliveries through the national distribution chain. From there, the vaccine will be distributed to smaller hospitals and clinics.
Health care workers and long-term care residents will be the first to receive the vaccine, followed by essential workers, seniors, and people with preexisting conditions who are more likely to become seriously ill if they contract the virus. The vaccine, which won’t be mandatory, will be provided to Minnesotans at no cost. You can find more information about Minnesota’s vaccine distribution plan here.
The expected arrival of a vaccine is good news, but this process will require time and patience. In the meantime, it’s important to do our part to protect each other by wearing masks, social distancing, staying home when possible, and getting tested if feeling sick.
Economic Assistance for Minnesotans
House DFLers recently put forth a COVID-19 economic assistance package that would keep small businesses afloat, support workers struggling to get by, and help Minnesota families keep food on their tables. The package includes direct aid for small businesses, an eviction moratorium, a 13-week unemployment extension, and emergency assistance for struggling families. It also includes grants for restaurants to provide food for health care workers, homeless shelters, and long-term care facilities.
Our plan has Governor Walz’s support, and we’re working with our Republican colleagues to reach an agreement before the next special session on Monday, December 14. I hope we can come together to deliver this critical assistance.
Climate Action Plan Webinar
The Minnesota House Climate Action Caucus, which I chair, is gearing up for the next legislative session! We recently released our Climate Action Plan, a comprehensive, science-based framework for addressing the climate crisis. You can view the plan here.
If you’d like to learn more about the House Climate Action Plan, you can join me and Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light (MNIPL) for an informational webinar on Thursday, December 17 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. I’ll share our plan to fight climate change in Minnesota and answer questions from the audience. You can find more details and RSVP here.
I always appreciate hearing from you, so please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or feedback. You can contact me at rep.patty.acomb@house.mn or 651-296-9934.
Sincerely,
Patty Acomb
State Representative