Friends and Neighbors,
Representative Erin Koegel and I are holding a virtual town hall on Tuesday, March 30 at 7:00 p.m. We hope you can join us to share your ideas and priorities for the legislative session. The town hall will be held on Zoom. If you would like to participate in the Zoom portion, click here to RSVP and submit a question.
Minnesota launches the COVID-19 Vaccine Connector
A new tool launched this week will help Minnesotans find out when, where, and how to get their COVID-19 vaccine. Current eligibility for vaccines is still limited to Minnesotans over 65, health care workers, long-term care residents, childcare, and K-12 personnel, but the Vaccine Connector will be a helpful way to notify other Minnesotans once it’s their turn to get a shot and connect them to resources to schedule an appointment.
Minnesotans who have not yet been vaccinated are encouraged to sign up for the COVID-19 Vaccine Connector, regardless of their current vaccine eligibility status. Along with eligibility criteria related to age, employment, and health status, Minnesotans will be asked, but not required, to provide certain demographic information to help the state track and improve the equity in our state’s rollout. This is a voluntary tool and all data submitted is protected under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.
Adults 65+ that sign up for the Vaccine Connector will be entered into the random selection process for the state’s Community Vaccination Program sites in Minneapolis, Duluth, and Rochester. Anyone who already registered for an appointment through the pilot program or community vaccine program does not need to resubmit their information. Minnesotans over 65 are still encouraged to use the Vaccine Locator mapto find nearby vaccine distribution sites and make an appointment to receive a vaccine through the providers listed there. They can also contact their regular provider directly.
Sign up at mn.gov/vaccineconnector. Minnesotans can also call toll-free 833-431-2053 for assistance signing up over the phone or for translation services.
Proposal to reduce energy and water consumption receives its first hearing
The Senate Energy and Utilities Committee heard a DFL proposal this week that would establish a revolving loan fund in the renewable development account for making improvements to state-owned buildings that would reduce energy and water consumption.
If passed, this program – called the State Building Energy Conservation Revolving Loan Fund – would bring Minnesota into alignment with similar programs adopted in 31 other states. Loans would be made at or below market interest rates – including zero interest loans, and they would be paid back within seven years using the savings seen as a result of decreased energy and water consumption. The funds could be used for various projects including, but not limited to, installing LED lighting, digital controls for heating or cooling, water irrigation controls, and low flow toilets.
The bill did not receive any opposition when it was heard in either chamber, and it was laid over for possible inclusion in a larger omnibus bill to be assembled later this session. (SF 543)
If you have any questions or wish to unsubscribe from this Newsletter please feel free to contact my office at 651-296-2556 or by email at sen.jerry.newton@senate.mn.
Thank you and have a great weekend,
Jerry Newton
State Senator
District 37