Dear Neighbors,
Our regular session came to an end last month, however, our work for the year is far from over as we approach a special session set for next week. House and Senate leaders and Governor Walz have reached a budget agreement that we are using as guidelines in our conference committee negotiations. We have reached agreements on our Energy/Commerce, Taxes, Higher Ed, Agriculture, and Legacy Finance budgets. Some of the more contentious bills like E-12 Education and Public Safety still have a ways to go however. Details on the overall budget agreement and what the special session will look like can be found here.
Eviction Off-Ramp
It is critical that we prevent a massive housing crisis as we begin to return to normal. The House DFL proposed a common sense plan to give everyone the time they need to catch up on their rent and mortgage. Watch our press conference to learn more about our plan. It was announced today that we have reached a final agreement. Under the agreement, Governor Walz’s executive order on an eviction moratorium will be replaced by a stepped-down off-ramp that will conclude 105 days after enactment. Landlords will be required to send a notice to renters with outstanding rent 15 days prior to eviction. In addition, renters with an outstanding rental assistance claim cannot be evicted and will have that protection until June 1, 2022. If you are behind on housing payments, apply for aid here.
MNsure Expansion This Summer
MNsure has a summer enrollment period now with expanded tax credit eligibility from the American Rescue Plan. Minnesotans with higher incomes who purchase health insurance through MNsure can access advanced premium tax credits that lower the cost of monthly health insurance premiums. MNsure is encouraging Minnesotans whose incomes were previously too high for tax credits to take another look at private health care coverage through MNsure. Learn more and sign up here.
Direct Scheduling for Vaccinations Now Available
Minnesotans can now use the Vaccine Connector to directly schedule COVID-19 vaccine appointments at the state’s Community Vaccination Program locations. You can visit VaccineConnector.mn.gov to directly schedule appointments at Community Vaccination locations around the state. Here is how you can get your shot:
- Make an appointment through the Vaccine Connector at one of the state’s COVID-19 Community Vaccination Program locations: https://mn.gov/vaccineconnector.
- 833-431-2053
- Mon-Fri, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. & Sat, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- 833-431-2053
- Use the state’s Vaccine Finder Map to find the closest vaccine provider: https://mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/find-vaccine/locations/index.jsp.
- Contact your primary health care provider or a local pharmacy.
- Employers may also reach out with information about vaccination opportunities.
The Governor launched the new “Your Shot to Summer” program, offering a list of great incentives to those who get their first COVID-19 shot May 27- June 30. This is to help us get above the 70% total vaccinations so we can have a safe and open summer. Some of the incentives include:
- Great Lakes Aquarium Pass
- Mall of America Nickelodeon Universe Pass
- Minnesota Fishing License
- Minnesota State Parks Pass
- Minnesota Zoo Admission
- Northwoods Baseball League Tickets
- State Fair Tickets
- Valleyfair Single-Day Admission
Learn more about this great opportunity here, mn.gov/covid19/summer.
Stay in Touch
Please reach out to my office if you need assistance with anything. I am best reached through email at rep.samantha.vang@house.mn or please contact my legislative assistant Josh, josh.kilgard@house.mn. I always appreciate hearing from you. You can also follow along on my official Facebook page here.
Sincerely,
Rep. Samantha Vang
651-296-3709
rep.samantha.vang@house.mn