Legislative Update - April 9, 2021

Dear Neighbors, 

The Minnesota Legislature returned to committee hearings and floor sessions this week following our Easter and Passover break, with the biggest news being the rollout of many of the House DFL’s budget proposals. Our commitment to Minnesota children, families, and main street businesses are a top priority, and through this budget we hope to ensure everyone can successfully bounce back once we’ve safely put this pandemic behind us. 

These bills reflect hours of hearings, expert input, and bipartisan dialogue for a better future in Minnesota. More information on the budget details can be found here, and you can watch our press conference here.

An important piece of legislation that wasn’t part of this week’s initial rollout was the House Capital Investment bill, which is the proposal I am spearheading as chair of that committee. This week, our committee spent our hearings listening to various proposals from Democrats and Republicans for possible inclusion in our final Capital Investment bill, often referred to as a “bonding” bill. 

One of our very first committee hearings this session focused on the economic impacts of racism and the need for equity in our capital projects. With yesterday’s hearing, we’ve come full circle to the tangible legislation that would build a more inclusive Minnesota. The disparities faced by Black, Indigenous, and people of color throughout Minnesota are real, and a capital investment bill that doesn’t recognize the existing inequity does no favors for our state. As we finalize our committee’s proposal, we’ll strive for all Minnesotans - regardless of race or region - to see representation in this bill. Our committee’s bill will be available to the public Sunday evening, with our hearings next week focused on walking through our proposal. 

Get Your COVID-19 Vaccine

With the COVID-19 vaccine now available to all Minnesotans age 16 and older, increased shipments of vaccine are meeting that new eligibility - though getting an appointment still remains difficult for many.

One way you can get the vaccine is at the new Community Vaccination Clinic at the State Fairgrounds. The site will administer the Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson doses, which will result in over 100,000 total people being vaccinated during the eight week period it will be operating. The site will be by appointment only. Minnesotans living in the surrounding zip codes can sign up for the Vaccine Connector to be selected for an appointment. Minnesotans can call the Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 Public Hotline at 1-833-431-2053 for language assistance and any questions about signing up for the Connector.

Another available option for our community is Urban League Twin Cities, which is working in collaboration with Stairstep Foundation/His Works United, Messianic Care and Black Nurses Rock TC to provide COVID-19 vaccination events for community members ages 18 years and older. These vaccination events will take place at the Urban League's Glover Sudduth Center building in north Minneapolis. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be administered, which requires only one dose.

Vaccinations will be administered from 1-7 p.m. on Wednesdays in April, located at 2100 Plymouth Ave North. It is by appointment only, which you can make by calling 612-254-1228.

If you have any questions about our work in the Minnesota House, please feel free to reach out to my office. You can contact me at 651-296-4262 or email at rep.fue.lee@house.mn. I look forward to hearing from you. 

Sincerely, 

Fue Lee

State Representative