Dear Neighbors,
The first week of the 2021 legislative session is coming to an end. Much of our work this week took place in committee as time was spent speaking with commissioners as they gave overviews of the agencies they run.
Many of you have asked about COVID-19 vaccine availability and how the rollout is going in Minnesota. Just this week, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) launched a new dashboard that gives frequently updated information about how many doses have been administered in Minnesota, how many doses have been shipped to the state, and much more. It even gives a county-by-county breakdown.
You can view this new dashboard here: https://mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/data/index.jsp
MDH has dictated that local county health departments will oversee distribution in their counties. Kandiyohi’s health department is doing the best they can given the limited doses available. As more doses come online, I expect our local department to rise to the occasion to ensure that every resident that wishes to receive a vaccine can do so.
Statement Against Violence
This week, I joined my House Republican colleagues in signing a letter strongly denouncing the violence and violent rhetoric from the events held in Washington D.C and St. Paul last week. You can read that letter here.
Many of you have reached out in recent days asking about the security situation at the State Capitol. Our capitol police and state troopers are doing an outstanding job ensuring that we can do our work without interruption and fear of violence taking place.
I want to be clear that violent acts and violent rhetoric are completely unacceptable and have no place in our country. Civility is paramount and we must commit to each other that violence can never be the answer to our disagreements.
While I understand that many of you are disappointed in the outcome of November’s election, we must be committed to the rule of law and a peaceful transition of power. President Trump has exhausted all legal avenues available to him. The courts have spoken, the process has played out, and Congress has certified the electoral college votes. Joe Biden will be inaugurated this coming week as our next president.
Staying in Touch
Please do not hesitate to contact me with your ideas and suggestions for the coming session. I can be reached at rep.dave.baker@house.mn or you can call 651-296-6206.
All the best,
Dave