Dear Neighbors,
Since we’ve returned from our customary weeklong break to observe Easter and Passover, we’ve been vetting and advancing our House budget bills through committees. The budget contains investments to address Minnesotans’ difficulties now, and aims to help people thrive once the pandemic is over.
This session, I’ve had the extremely rewarding job to chair the House Commerce Committee. Our committee has completed work assembling the new Commerce budget bill with various, significant consumer protection provisions. Here’s a look at some of the highlights:
- Addresses catalytic converter theft problem
- Protects Minnesotans from predatory pay day lending practices
- Creates a Student Borrower’s Bill of Rights
- Protects Minnesotans from price gouging essential goods during times of emergency
- Establishes a Prescription Drug Affordability Board to help drive down prices
- Protects children from toys with harmful levels of toxins like lead
If you’d like to learn more about our budget proposal, I recommend checking out the articles published by Session Daily. Each one has a nonpartisan summary of the bill and links to more information. You can also watch the public hearings we’ve held on House Public Information Services’ YouTube channel. I’ll continue sharing information about the budget as well as updates on our progress, so please stay tuned.
Vaccine Update
We received encouraging news this week that more than three million COVID-19 vaccines have been administered. Demand continues to outpace supply, but dose allotments are increasing and more appointments to get a shot are becoming available.
If you haven’t received your vaccination, take a look at Minnesota’s COVID-19 mn.gov/vaccineconnector, call 833-431-2053 or check with your health insurance carrier to help you find out when, where, and how to get a vaccine.
Here are a few helpful items to keep in mind if you’re trying to make an appointment:
▪ Residents age 16 or 17 can only receive the Pfizer vaccine. Clinics will indicate what vaccine will be used.
▪ Second dose of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are guaranteed. Check with on-site staff to confirm what time and place your second shot will be given.
Hints for scheduling:
▪ If a clinic shows that it has available appointments, but when you click the blue button it says, “Clinic does not have any appointment slots available,” it is because the clinic is full. Check back at a later time for more appointments.
▪ If the appointments page says “No clinics to show,” no clinic spots are available at this time.
▪ Use Google Chrome for best results
▪ Do not use the filter options — scroll down and all appointments will be listed.
▪ Using a desktop computer works best.
Keep in Touch
Please continue to reach out anytime with questions, input, or ideas at rep.zack.stephenson@house.mn or 651-296-5513.
It’s an honor to serve our Champlin and Coon Rapids residents and families in the Minnesota House.
Sincerely,
Zack Stephenson
State Representative