Dear Neighbors,
During President Biden’s inauguration there were several calls for unity and healing, and as the only divided state government in the nation I believe this is a worthy goal for us. We can disagree on policy but I hope we can all agree that we want to do all we can to make Minnesota a better place to live for everyone. If we have a different perspective on an issue, we should be able to talk it through without questioning each other's motives and heart. I hope this moment indicates that we have truly turned a corner and have entered a new political era of mutual respect and courtesy.
Vaccine Pilot Program Launches
This week, Minnesota announced an important next step in the process of delivering the COVID-19 vaccine to certain priority groups. A pilot program will establish new vaccination sites throughout the state, and individuals who are 65 years or older, as well as school staff and child care workers (who have been notified by their employer that they’re eligible), will now be able to make appointments to receive the vaccine. If you are a school staff member or child care worker you will schedule an appointment through your employer.
If you fall into these groups, initial appointments are now full as they were extremely limited. You can book appointments online here, or by phone at 612-426-7230 or toll free at 833-431-2053. New appointments won’t be available until Tuesday, January 26 at 12 pm. If you encounter additional problems or need help navigating this process, please contact me.
The pilot sites are located in Andover, Brooklyn Center, Fergus Falls, Marshall, Mountain Iron, North Mankato, Rochester, St. Cloud, and Thief River Falls.
Preventing Homelessness Meeting
Yesterday, we held our second Preventing Homelessness Division meeting. We heard from several different people who have experienced homelessness in our state. Throughout this session we will continue to center the voices of people who have direct experience around homelessness. It is critical that we hear these stories so we can better understand the factors that lead to people experiencing homelessness. I encourage you to watch their valuable testimony here.
Legislative Priorities for the House DFL
Last week, we rolled out the House DFL’s initial legislative priorities for this year’s session, with a focus on getting Minnesota through this pandemic and ensuring that we have the resources necessary to bounce back. While protecting and investing in economic security, worker protections, education, child care, and health and human services are crucial components for Minnesotans, we’re diligently working within all policy areas to build a better state.text.
Keep in Touch:
You can contact me at rep.erin.koegel@house.mn or (651) 296-5369. I appreciate the opportunity to serve our district in the legislature and look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Erin Koegel
State Representative