Dear Neighbors,
Although we’re not in the legislative session, there’s still plenty happening, especially in our area. I just hosted two events in Albert Lea and wanted to pass along some important information, as well as an upcoming deadline for teachers. This week I invited renowned experts and local officials for a discussion on the Zika virus, and had a meeting with veterans to talk about all the great veterans provisions we passed over the last two years.
Teacher Loan Forgiveness
Addressing Minnesota's teacher shortage is a critical issue for schools all across the state and one I've worked to tackle during my first term. Last year, I passed a bill to help address this problem by creating a loan forgiveness program for many teachers. The deadline for teachers to apply for this initiative is Thursday, June 30. If you might be eligible, please click here or call my office for more information!
Zika Virus Forum
On Wednesday, I held a forum in Albert Lea about the Zika virus for community leaders and health officials. The forum included health experts from the Mayo Clinic and the Minnesota Department of Health. My goal for this forum was to get correct information about the Zika virus out into the public so we can dispel any misinformation and so people and communities can be proactive in protecting themselves.
Here’s what we learned from the discussion:
- Health professionals are still learning about Zika. From what they know now, the Zika virus is transmitted to people primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito or sexually transmitted through an infected man to his partner.
- The most common symptoms of Zika are mild - red eyes, joint pain, rash and a fever. At least 80% of people will have no symptoms at all when infected and may be unaware they have the virus.
- The Zika virus is most dangerous for pregnant women because it can cause microcephaly and other severe brain defects for her unborn baby.
- Once you have had the Zika virus, it is believed that you will have immunity from the virus if exposed again.
- One of the two types of mosquitoes that are capable of transmitting Zika have occasionally been found in Minnesota, but at this time there are very few here. All Zika cases in Minnesota have been contracted by people who have traveled to epidemic areas.
- Advise pregnant women not travel to Zika epidemic areas and wait eight weeks after returning from a known Zika epidemic area before trying to have a baby.
- Advise men wait six months before trying to have a baby if returning from a known Zika epidemic area with Zika symptoms.
- Take precautions to avoid mosquito bites - take extra care to wear repellent and/or protective clothing during peak mosquito times.
- Take steps to control mosquitoes outside your home: Get rid of items in your yard that hold standing water, such as discarded tires; turn over water-holding containers; etc. For small landscape ponds, consider putting goldfish or koi in the water to eat the mosquito larvae.
It was encouraging to see the proactive measures being taken by the Department of Health to protect our citizens. I’ll continue to work with state officials and top doctors in order to stay in front of the disease, and I’ll pass along any information I find.
Veterans Meeting
This morning, I hosted Veterans Affairs Division Chairman, Rep. Bob Dettmer, and area vets to discuss some of the legislation we passed over the last two years. Our heroes deserve our support, and I’m proud to assist our retired service men and women with a number of provisions to help our veterans.
Among the numerous veterans bills we approved, the Legislature passed provisions into law to:
- Exempt military retirement income for retired vets.
- Make it easier for veteran-owned small businesses to get state government contracts.
- Establish Military Spouses and Family Day to honor military families.
- Increase funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs and veterans homes by $17 million.
Please Contact Me
I hope you’ll continue to call or email me with any questions, suggestions, or ideas. I love hearing your opinion, and will get back to you as soon as I can.
Have a great weekend!
Peggy