Happy Thanksgiving

Neighbor,

There’s been good news lately when it comes to investing in Minnesota’s infrastructure. For one, the federal infrastructure bill has finally passed Congress, and was signed into law by President Biden last week. The specifics of where the funds will go still need to be worked out, but generally we know that our state will receive the following:

• $4.5 billion for highways
• $302 million for bridges
• $100 million for broadband internet
• $68 million for electric vehicle charging stations
• $818 million for public transportation
• $680 million for clean water

There are also efforts at the state level to ensure that our infrastructure and community resources are properly invested in. The House Capital Investment Committee just finished their statewide tour of infrastructure projects, which included a stop in our community this fall. In our district, I was able to welcome the committee to the Hennepin County Recycling Center and Transfer Station, which is an important project for ensuring our region is adequately recycling and protecting our climate to the very best of our ability.

Vaccines for 5 and Older, Boosters Available for All

We are yet again seeing an unsustainable increase in COVID-19 cases in our state, which is pushing many hospitals toward capacity. This pressure is greatly impacting emergency rooms, and even those who are seeking attention for a condition other than COVID are facing lengthy waits for care. Minnesota Public Radio highlighted the difficulties many hospitals are encountering in delivering timely emergency care and response.

Some good news - last week, the CDC approved booster shots for all adults aged 18 or older to extend the efficacy of the vaccine. If it’s been six months or longer since you’ve received your initial vaccine series (or over 2 months if you got Johnson & Johnson), please consider getting a booster. More information about boosters is available here.

These difficulties highlight the importance of as many people getting vaccinated as possible to both prevent the virus from spreading and to help prevent serious illness or hospitalization, particularly those with underlying conditions. If you’ve been hesitant or skeptical, now is the time. As Minnesotans, we care about one another, and it’s heartbreaking to see stories of people hospitalized experiencing regret for not getting the shot. Everyone age 5 or older is now eligible. A map of locations offering the vaccine is available here.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope you and yours have a safe, healthy, and warm Thanksgiving. Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule is now in place, ensuring we all stay warm this winter. If you or someone you know is having trouble paying an electricity or gas bill, you can find helpful information on the Public Utility Commission’s website.

The 2022 Legislative Session will be here before you know it, especially with how fast the holiday season flys by. As we prepare to begin official work again in January, please feel free to reach out with any questions, comments, or ideas you may have on how to make our community and state better. You can contact me through email (rep.michael.nelson@house.mn) or phone (651-296-3751). I appreciate hearing from you!

Sincerely, 

Rep. Michael V. Nelson