Legislative Update - This Weekend's Virtual Town Hall

Dear Neighbors, 

We’re at the halfway point for the 2021 Legislative Session, and to provide an update on our work and hear from you, I’ll be joining my fellow District 45 members for a Virtual Town Hall this Saturday at 11am. We’ll be live on Facebook, but you can also RSVP to join us on Zoom.

With the latest on our efforts to help the state combat and bounce back from COVID-19, along with our work to craft the state’s budget, there’s a lot to cover. I hope you can make it, but if not, the video recording will stay up on my Facebook page.

More Minnesotans are Vaccine Eligible

Minnesota had the set goal of vaccinating 70% of Minnesotans age 65 and older by the end of March. With a new, single-dose vaccine, and a dedicated response from members of our community, I’m proud to say we hit that goal last week. With that milestone reached, more Minnesotans are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.

1.8 million Minnesotans are newly eligible to receive a vaccine, including:

• People with certain underlying conditions, including sickle cell disease, Down Syndrome, and oxygen-dependent chronic lung or heart conditions, and those who are in active cancer treatment or immunocompromised from organ transplant  
• People with rare conditions or disabilities that put them at higher risk 
• Food processing plant workers   

These groups will receive priority, but providers may offer available appointments to others who are eligible, including Minnesotans from the next tier: 

• People 45 or older with one or more of the underlying medical conditions identified by the CDC  
• People 16 or older with two or more of the underlying conditions   
• People 50 or older in multi-generational housing 
• Essential frontline workers, including airport staff, child care workers who weren’t previously eligible, first responders, judicial system workers, public health workers, U.S. Postal Service workers, and those who work in agriculture; correctional settings; food production, retail, or service; manufacturing; and public transit 

More details about eligibility are available here. I encourage you to sign up for the COVID-19 Vaccine Connector if you haven’t already. In some cases, your employer will have more information on vaccine availability, and it’s a good idea to be in touch with your health care provider too.

New Guidelines for Businesses and Gathering

This increase in vaccinations is good news for the fight against COVID, and as more at-risk Minnesotans become fully vaccinated, guidelines for businesses and gatherings can be safely altered. Since Monday, capacity has increased for restaurants, gyms, venues, and celebrations - for many the closest “return to normal” since the onset of the virus in our state last year. 

While this is good news, it’s important to remember that this pandemic is not over - the recent quarantine of Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan should emphasize that risks still remain, and it’s incredibly important to continue to stay socially distant, wear a mask, wash our hands, and get tested when necessary. 

You can read about the specifics of the new business and gathering guidelines here. 

Minnesota’s Insulin Safety Net

Last summer, we passed the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act into law. This was legislation I was proud to co-author. Since going into effect and establishing the state’s insulin safety net program, 465 Minnesotans have taken advantage of it, potentially saving their lives. So far, insulin manufacturers have provided a total value of $2,148,564.74 in insulin through this program.

This is just one of the many ways we’re fighting for affordable health care for Minnesotans. If you or anyone you know is in urgent need of a 30-day or long-term supply of affordable insulin, please visit MNinsulin.org where you can see if you qualify, download the application, and learn how to apply today. 

Stay Connected

Regardless of whether you’re able to join us this weekend, always feel free to reach out to my office for any questions or comments you may have on our work in the Minnesota House. You can contact me at rep.mike.freiberg@house.mn and at (651) 296-4176. (E-mail is preferred). I look forward to hearing from you. 

Sincerely, 

Mike Freiberg

State Representative