Dear Neighbors,
Since last week’s COVID-19 update there have been a few new developments. Minnesota recently surpassed 1 million vaccinations — over 11% of Minnesotans have now been vaccinated. We have all been eager to receive a vaccine as soon as possible, and there are reasons to be optimistic that distribution will continue to expand.
Yesterday, the state of Minnesota launched a new tool to help let Minnesotans know when they are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. The new Vaccine Connector will alert Minnesotans when they are eligible, connect you to resources to schedule an appointment, and notify you about vaccine opportunities near you. Learn more and sign up here. I just enrolled myself and it only took a few minutes. Assistance is also available over the phone at 833-431-2053.
Middle and High Students Back to the Classroom
This week Governor Walz announced a plan to have all middle and high schools offer in-person learning by March 8. The direct engagement students have with their teachers and peers is critical toward both their academic achievement and their development into young adults. This plan is possible thanks to the precautions we have all taken to slow the spread, and progress we’ve made to get folks vaccinated.
Having students back in the classroom is only one step toward rebounding from the pandemic. We must also work together to address learning loss over the past year, invest in critical wrap-around supports, and deliver necessary funding for school districts.
Keep in Touch
Now more than ever, please contact me anytime with questions, input, or ideas. Don’t hesitate to reach out if I can provide any assistance. Please follow me on my Facebook page for further updates and invite your friends and family to do so as well.
Thanks for the honor of representing you at the Capitol.
Sincerely,
Steve Elkins
Representative, District 49B
Minnesota House of Representatives
515 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55155
(651) 296-7803