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Dear Neighbors,
On Monday, I voted for the 12th time to end Governor Walz's unilateral, emergency powers. Sadly, once again, the motion to end the powers failed once again due to the Democrat Majority’s continued opposition to returning to normal legislative order.
In fact, Democrats who previously voted to end the powers have flip-flopped, continuing to enable the Governor's unilateral authority and refusing to restore the legislature as a Constitutional co-equal branch of government.
I will continue working hard to bring these emergency powers to an end. Cases are dropping to near-record lows, vaccines are being administered, and there simply is no reason why the Governor should continue to rule the state without having to work with the legislature.
Updated Budget Forecast
On Friday, Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) released its updated budget forecast. This most recent update gives us a clearer picture of the state’s economic outlook and helps lawmakers set the new two-year state budget.
Updated numbers show the state is looking at a $1.6 billion budget SURPLUS because of a higher revenue forecast, lower state spending, and an increased surplus for the current fiscal year.
While there is more work to do, it is encouraging to see Minnesota's economy improving. Thanks to the hard work and resiliency of Minnesotans, our budget outlook has stabilized, and our economy is heading in the right direction.
Today's news should take all the proposed tax increases being pushed Governor Walz and Democrats off the table. They have put forward massive tax hikes that would raise taxes on families of every income level and would slow our economic recovery, and our efforts to help businesses, jobs and paychecks come roaring back to pre-COVID levels and beyond.
Vaccine Update
Governor Walz announced on Thursday the next phase in Minnesota’s vaccine rollout. The next phase of the vaccine rollout will unfold in four tiers, with vaccines eventually available to anyone age 50 and above and then on to the final phase in the summer when the general public will be able to get the shot.
For more information on this announcement, click here: https://mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/whos-getting-vaccinated/index.jsp
Last Thursday, the Minnesota Department of Health announced a new tool for all Minnesotans to sign up to receive an alert when there is a vaccine available to them — regardless if they are currently eligible to receive one.
The "Vaccine Connector" is a tool for all Minnesotans who have not yet been vaccinated – the Vaccine Connector will notify you when it’s your turn for a shot.
You don’t need to sign up if:
- You have already received your COVID-19 vaccine.
- You previously registered for our COVID-19 Vaccine Pilot Program or the COVID-19 Community Vaccination Program.
- You completed the Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Education and Child Care survey.
The Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Connector will get you information about when, where, and how you can get the vaccine.
It’s important to note that if you are eligible to get vaccinated right now, you do not have to wait for information from the Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Connector before you get your shot.
Staying in Touch
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me to share any thoughts or concerns you may have about state government or the job I'm doing as your representative. It would be great to talk with you. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-8237 or via email at rep.brian.daniels@house.mn.
Have a great weekend,
Brian
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