Dear neighbors,
House DFLers have been working with Senate Republicans for the past several weeks. Our goal was to reach as many bipartisan compromises as possible so lawmakers could return to the Capitol for a special session and deliver the results Minnesotans deserve. Unfortunately, Senate Republicans are unwilling to work with us to complete important work. Without their cooperation, lawmakers can’t deliver funding for education, improve public safety, provide tax cuts, or address rising costs.
Improving Mental Health Services
During the final days of the legislative session, lawmakers developed and passed a bipartisan bill to improve mental health services. The bill, which Gov. Walz signed into law, contained funding to increase hospital capacity, train new mental health care professionals, and expand the use of mobile crisis services. It won’t solve every problem with our mental health care system, but this legislation will help more Minnesotans get the care they need.
COVID Vaccines Available for Young Children
On Saturday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approved two COVID-19 vaccines for children who are six months old or older. Both vaccines were carefully studied and help protect children from severe disease, hospitalization, and death. They’re administered in smaller doses and packaged differently than vaccines that are available for older children and adults.
More than 300 providers in Minnesota are offering vaccines to children between six months and five years of age, including pediatricians, pharmacies, community clinics, and more. Parents and guardians can use the Vaccine Locator Map to find providers in their area. More information about COVID vaccines for children is available at mn.gov/vaxforkids.
Upcoming Events and Activities
National Pollinator Week
It’s National Pollinator Week in the United States! The Senate established this holiday 15 years ago to celebrate bees, birds, butterflies, bats, and beetles and the vital services they perform. It also helps raise awareness of the decline in pollinator populations.
National Pollinator Week is a great opportunity to do something good for pollinators, such as establishing a pollinator habitat or exploring pollinator-friendly plants. You can find ideas and more information at www.pollinator.org/pollinator-week.
Kaposia Days
Kaposia Days is this weekend! The annual event on June 24, 25, and 26 features a parade, a craft and flea market, a car show, activities for kids, and more. I’ll be calling bingo on Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 2:30 to 5:00 p.m. More information is available at kaposiadays.org.
If you have any questions or feedback you’d like to share, you can reach me at rep.rick.hansen@house.mn or call (651) 296-6828.
Sincerely,
Rick Hansen
State Representative