Dear Neighbor,
With the election behind us, and the year coming to a close, I wanted to give you one last update on work that’s been ongoing, and what we can look forward to during the 2021 legislative session. I continue to value the opportunity to serve our neighbors in Richfield and Bloomington, and I look forward to doing so moving forward. To begin with, though, my office will now be 2227 in the MN Senate Building. Although we won’t be meeting in-person for quite some time, I look forward to seeing you there when it’s safe. My phone number has not changed, so I hope you’ll keep in touch!
COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution
I know we are all thrilled at the news that a safe, effective vaccine for COVID-19 has been approved, and is being distributed already. Given the high need, limited supply, and centralized distribution, priorities have been set. I encourage you to check out this website from the Department of Health that describes the phases and planning involved.
Last week, the Senate Health and Human Services Finance and Policy Committee heard from Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm, and Dr. Kris Ehresmann, an infectious disease expert with the Department (and a Bloomington native), to discuss both the processes involved with vaccine distribution, as well as recent actions taken to continue fighting the pandemic. The first phase of vaccination will focus on health care professionals, long-term care residents, essential workers, and adults 65+ and with high-risk medical conditions. Care will also be taken to address areas with higher social vulnerability due to socioeconomic status, household composition, disability status, higher concentrations of people of color, language barriers, housing type, or transportation accessibility.
Comm. Malcolm’s and Dr. Ehresmann’s presentation includes important information on the advisory group that’s been established and vaccination phases. It also highlights some frequently asked questions about the vaccine itself, including how it works, and questions that still remain, for example if vaccinated individuals can still carry and transmit the virus itself. You can find a video of the committee meeting here.
Special Session and Business Relief Bill
Last week, the legislature met in special session. After significant work and negotiations, I’m proud that we passed a bill that will provide $217 million in support for Minnesota businesses who have been unfortunately and unfairly challenged by the need to address the pandemic. I did support the bill, and some important features of it include:
- $88 million in direct support for restaurants, bars, gyms, and other similar businesses
- $14 million in relief grants to convention centers and movie theaters
- $114 million in county-administered relief grants to local businesses
- 13-week extension of Unemployment Insurance
- Regulatory fee extensions and waivers
- Extension of the application deadline for free- and reduced-price lunch eligibility
I am disappointed that, despite significant work with colleagues across the aisle on hunger relief and child care funding, agreement was not reached on those two incredibly important areas. I am hopeful that the legislature will prioritize those things that we know are crucial lifelines for many Minnesotans next year.
While there is undoubtedly good news, and I am hopeful that we are seeing real progress, I do continue to support the Governor’s emergency declaration, and the flexibility that it provides. It’s important not only for efforts to fight the pandemic, but to ensure that vaccine distribution happens as quickly and efficiently as possible. Like all of us, I’m eager for kids to go back to school, businesses to reopen normally, and communities to gather together. The fastest way to get back to those things continues to be taking the steps needed to beat the virus.
2021 Legislative Session
The 2021 legislative session will begin at noon on January 5th. I look forward to resuming work with my colleagues, as well as the ten newly elected Senators who will be sworn in that day. The biggest focus will be the two-year budget that will need to be adopted. Earlier this month, Minnesota Management and Budget announced that they expect a $1.273 billion budget deficit for the next biennium. While that represents an improvement, it still represents a significant challenge. Minnesota is constitutionally required to have a balanced budget.
I am excited to be serving on committees that will take on incredibly important work. I will be the DFL lead on the Health and Human Services Finance and Policy Committee, which is responsible for crafting the largest single budget, as well as continuing to address COVID-19 and its impact on programs and services for the most vulnerable Minnesotans. I’ll also be serving on the Human Services Reform Finance and Policy Committee, and the Technology and Reform Committee. This past year was more challenging in more ways than I think any of us expected. While there is still much yet to be done, the holidays are a good time to take stock of the things we’re grateful for – family, friends, and our communities. I am personally grateful that I’m able to represent our neighbors in the Minnesota Senate and work hard on your behalf.
I enjoyed skating on Long Meadow Lake in Bloomington this past weekend
Best Wishes,
Melissa