Dear neighbors, I hope you and your loved ones are doing well. Here’s the latest news from the Capitol and our community:   I joined Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, state and local leaders, and community members last week to recognize Northern Dakota County’s Beyond the Yellow Ribbon initiative. This branch of the statewide Yellow Ribbon Network is composed of people from West St. Paul, Mendota Heights, Mendota, and Lilydale. They work hard to connect service members, veterans, and military families with a variety of resources, from help with lawn mowing to career assistance. To learn more about the group and the support they provide, click here. Office of the Legislative Auditor Releases a New Report The Minnesota Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA) recently released a new report, MinnesotaCare Eligibility: July 2019 through 2020. After taking a close look at MinnesotaCare, OLA staff concluded that the Department of Human Services (DHS) complied with eligibility requirements for the program and correctly determined eligibility for nearly all of the samples they tested. However, coverage was provided to some people who didn’t comply with reporting requirements and likely became ineligible at some point. In the future, legislators will use these findings to strengthen MinnesotaCare and make it more effective. Vaccination Reward Program Extended More than 55,000 people took advantage of the COVID-19 vaccination reward program I mentioned in my last email. Due to high demand, the program has been extended until August 22. Minnesotans who get their first dose of the vaccine during this period will receive a $100 Visa gift card. If you’re eligible for the reward or want to learn more about it, visit mn.gov/covid19/100. If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, the Vaccine Connector and Vaccine Locator Map can help you find a provider nearby. You can also contact your primary health care provider or a local pharmacy. Upcoming Events The State Fair is just around the corner! If you’re planning to go this year, I encourage you to stop by the Minnesota House of Representatives’ booth, which is located in the Education Building on Cosgrove Street. My colleagues and I will be there throughout the fair to answer questions and hear your feedback. I’ll be there from 10 a.m. to noon on Thursday, August 26 and Friday, August 27. Feel free to contact me directly if you have any questions, ideas, or feedback. You can reach me by email at rep.rick.hansen@house.mn or by phone at (651) 296-6828. Sincerely, Rick Hansen
State Representative |