Tag: House District 40B

Dear Neighbors,

Yesterday, Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan announced the expansion of vaccine eligibility for people 16 years of age and older starting March 30th. The announcement is in response to the increased supply of vaccines by the federal government to arrive in April. This is fantastic news and a clear sign that we are entering the final stretch of fighting this vaccine. Read more about this development here.

 If you haven’t yet, sign up for the state’s Vaccine Connector to get connected with opportunities once you’re eligible.

Heroes Week

This week was busy for us as we moved to pass significant legislation that would meet the needs of workers, families, and first responders who sacrificed the most over the last year to protect their communities. It’s not enough to call these folks heroes and credit them for all they’ve done, we must also back our words with action. Here is some of the legislation we passed this week to help Minnesota’s heroes emerge stronger from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dear Neighbors,

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in violence against Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI), immigrants, and international citizens. Over the past month in particular, there has been a rise of anti-AAPI violence, and these violent acts have culminated in the horrific murders in Atlanta, which included six AAPI women. We must all stand up and confront hate when we see it, I stand with our AAPI communities and will work to ensure that we feel safe wherever and whoever we are. Please watch my colleague Rep. Tou Xiong’s speechon this tragedy, and the Minnesota Asian Pacific Caucuses statement on the issue.

Bills Progressing

Two bills of mine were heard in committees. One, HF 718, would allow cities to adopt pesticide control ordinances, which is currently prohibited and would create more pollinator-friendly habitats. You can watch my presentation on this bill here. The second bill, HF 970 diversifies mental health providers across the state. We have a long standing workforce shortage in our mental health providers combined with increased needs for mental healthcare due to the pandemic, my bill seeks comprehensive support to diversify providers from rural Minnesota and BIPOC providers.

Dear Neighbors,

I hope you have been able to get outdoors and enjoy this early taste of spring! Our days are getting brighter both literally and figuratively. Minnesota was recently ranked 3rd in our ability to distribute the Covid-19 vaccine. At our current rate we should be able to vaccinate 70% of Minnesotans 65 years or older by the end of the month! With the new single dose vaccines now available, this pace will continue to speed up.

Renters Rights

This week my bill, HF 969, was heard in the Housing Finance and Policy Committee. This important bill would require landlords to follow the same debt collecting practices of debt collectors and prevent them using abusive practices to collect rent. This is just one more protection we can give renters to ensure that they are treated fairly. You can watch my presentation on the bill here. 

Dear Neighbors,

As session progresses I would appreciate hearing from your thoughts on the most pressing issues we are working on at the Capitol. Complete the following survey to help me understand where I should focus my efforts for the rest of session: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2021mn40b. 

Vaccine Connector

Last week, the state of Minnesota launched a new tool to help let Minnesotans know when they are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. We have all been eager to receive a vaccine as soon as possible, and luckily there are reasons to be optimistic that distribution will greatly accelerate soon. In the meantime, 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. Assistance is also available over the phone at 833-431-2053.

Dear Neighbors,

As the COVID-19 vaccine pilot sites are open, please let me know if there are concerns and questions regarding getting vaccinated. Several locations, including the Brooklyn Center site are continuing to serve those 65 years and older. To schedule a vaccination appointment and learn more click here.

Paid sick and safe

No one should have to choose between caring for themselves or a loved one and a paycheck. That’s why the House DFL introduced a new bill to expand Earned Sick and Safe Time. The bill aims to provide an important short-term benefit to workers by allowing them to accrue sick time based on the number of hours that they work. The impossible choice between a paycheck and taking time off to care for a sick child is a real problem in Minnesota, especially for low-wage workers and those in the service industry. This requirement has several key additional benefits, including healthier workplaces and schools, greater support for caregivers, and reduced health care costs. I will continue to support this critical legislation.

Dear Neighbors,

With Presidents Biden’s inauguration and the meeting of the 117th Congress under Democrat control for the next two years we have a very rare opportunity to make lasting progress for our state and the entire nation. At the Legislature I will continue to fight for the most vulnerable and the marginalized. While there is renewed hope, we have to remember that we are still a wounded nation where lies and tyranny are tolerated by far too many. We must remain vigilant in fighting for progress, justice, and the rights of all people. 

Vaccine Pilot Program Launches

Last week, Minnesota announced an important next step in the process of delivering the COVID-19 vaccine to certain priority groups. A pilot program will establish new vaccination sites throughout the state, and individuals who are 65 years or older, as well as school staff and child care workers (who have been notified by their employer that they’re eligible), will now be able to make appointments to receive the vaccine. If you are a school staff member or child care worker you will schedule an appointment through your employer. You can watch me discuss this pilot program with the Mayor of Brooklyn Center Mike Elliot and other community leaders here. 

If you fall into these groups, initial appointments are now full as they were extremely limited. You can book appointments online here, or by phone at 612-426-7230 or toll free at 833-431-2053. New appointments won’t be available until tomorrow, Tuesday, January 26 at 12 pm. If you encounter problems or need help navigating this process, please contact me.

Dear Neighbors,

Even though it has felt like we have been in a perpetual session for the past year, this week is the official beginning of the 2021 session. I am honored to return to the Capitol where I will continue to advocate for your needs. COVID-19 will continue to play a significant role in how we approach legislating this year, and while we are a split legislature once more I am hopeful that we will be able to accomplish a lot of good.

I am appalled by the armed violent protests that occurred in Washington DC. I am disappointed by President Trump’s lack of leadership that allowed for these protests to get as far as it did. Violence is never the answer. Safety comes before all else. It is my priority to keep our staff and members safe while getting input from the public. I expect Minnesotans to abide by the rule of law and treat legislators, staff, and each other with respect and dignity.

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — On Tuesday, Rep. Samantha Vang (DFL – Brooklyn Center) accepted the position of Deputy Speaker Pro Tempore where she will preside over the House should Speaker Hortman and Rep. Olson the Speaker Pro Tempore be absent. Representative Vang is the Vice Chair of the Agriculture Finance & Policy Committee and the Chair of the People of Color and Indigenous Caucus. She is serving her second term as a State Representative.

“I’m excited to take on this leadership role for the DFL House Majority,” said Rep.Vang. “As we begin the new year, the House DFL will work tirelessly to lift all Minnesotans, especially workers, families, and small businesses, up from the hardships this pandemic has brought upon us in the past year.”