Legislative Update - Minnesota's Vaccine Connector

Dear Granite City Neighbors, 

Just the other week I shared information on our state’s Vaccine Connector, which will help Minnesotans find out when and where they can get their vaccine. While we’re still not at the point where everyone is eligible for their first dose, we’ve recently been given a clearer and ever-improving picture of when that could be a reality.

We’re currently on track to vaccinate 70% of Minnesotans age 65 and older by the end of this month, a crucial milestone that’ll better protect some of those hardest hit by this virus. Once that goal is reached, the next phase of Minnesota’s vaccine timeline can begin, and we’ll start vaccinating people with certain underlying health conditions and those who are at a high risk for workplace exposure. This plan has the general public receiving the vaccine this summer.

But even since this timeline was released, we’ve received more good news on vaccine production and distribution. The approval of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is adding another effective option to help meet demand, and President Biden recently announced a partnership between drug manufacturers that will get this new vaccine to Americans faster, making it possible for every adult in the US to get their first dose by the end of May.

This latest news could mean a forthcoming update to Minnesota’s vaccine timeline, but the best way to stay connected to when and where you can get the vaccine is the Vaccine Connector. Be sure to sign up and encourage your loved ones to do the same! If we do this right, a fun and healthy summer is within our reach. 

Minnesota is recovering, but not equally

Last week, Minnesota’s Management and Budget released the latest budget and economic forecast for our state, showing a $1.6 billion positive fund balance - which is quite the change from the $1.27 billion deficit that was predicted last year. While this is good news, and shows parts of our economy are beginning to bounce back, I know that this recovery is not shared by many of the families and businesses in our community.

This year at the Minnesota Legislature, we have the opportunity to support working families and build a more prosperous future for all Minnesotans. My priorities are the same as the ones I’ve heard time and again from our community, and that’s focusing on recovering and rebuilding from COVID-19, and ensuring Minnesotans have affordable health care, good schools, and economic security. As my Republican colleagues prioritize corporations and the wealthy, I’ll continue fighting for investments in Minnesotans.

Saving Money on College Textbooks

I made the video below to build support for my college textbook affordability bill in 2019, which I’m proud to say passed and saved Minnesota students over $1.58 million! It’s often the case in the legislature that a bill becoming a law is not an end-all solution, but just the first successful step, which is why I presented HF 1536 this week to continue that work. No one should be denied a college education because they can’t afford a textbook.

The Safe Workplaces for Meat and Poultry Processing Workers Act Advances 

I presented the The Safe Workplaces for Meat and Poultry Processing Workers Act (HF 800) to the Labor and Industry Committee on Wednesday. Workers from St. Cloud and all across the state shared gut wrenching stories of their unacceptable workplace conditions. The bill passed committee on a vote of 8-5. No one should have to choose between feeding their families and working in unsafe conditions!

You can read more about this committee hearing here.

Stay Connected

Though things are moving fast, I’ll always make time for you. If you have any questions or comments on our work in the Minnesota House, please feel free to email me at rep.dan.wolgamott@house.mn, or give me a call at (651) 296-6612. You can also follow along with my work on my member page, “like” my official facebook page, and subscribe to and share these legislative updates. I look forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely,

Rep. Dan Wolgamott