Legislative Update- October 28, 2021

Dear Neighbors,

I hope this finds you well and enjoying the cooler weather. This week, Tonka Bay suffered another water main break, leaving thousands of our neighbors without water. This certainly isn’t a new problem; Tonka Bay’s water main has had more than 25 breaks over the past few years and hasn’t been replaced since 1974.  I’ve been working with city officials to develop legislation that would replace the water main for Tonka Bay and area residents so they can have reliable access to clean water 24/7.

On a positive note, I was able to show the House Capital Investment Committee firsthand the urgency in getting this funded in a future Jobs and Local Projects bill. It was an honor to welcome them, along with Mayor Jennings, to Tonka Bay last week.

Thank you, public works and the crew from Valley-Rich Co., Inc. who came out to fix the water main break.

Grateful to the Capital Investment Committee for coming to Tonka Bay last week to tour and see the need.

I also had the opportunity to share with the committee my proposal for pedestrian improvements on Galpin Lake Road to improve safety.

This project would provide a combination of sidewalk and trail along the eastern side of Galpin Lake Road between Highway 5 and Highway 7. It will complete a gap within the existing network and safely connect people walking and biking to Excelsior Elementary School and downtown Excelsior. Safety along the Highway 7 corridor is a top local priority. The residents of Shorewood have been advocating for this change, and Shorewood Mayor Labadie and Senator Ann Johnson Stewart have been steadfast partners in elevating this project. I'll continue to do all I can at the state level to get this done.

I also had an opportunity to connect with public safety leaders in Chanhassen last week at Sheriff Kamerud's Town Hall for All. There was great turnout and participation from community members, coming together to constructively voice input and give feedback. I appreciate Carver County Sheriff Jason Kamerud and Chaska Police Chief Ryan Seibert for convening a productive conversation around police practices and policies in our communities.

Appreciate Carver County Sheriff Jason Kamerud and Chaska Police Department Chief Ryan Seibert for convening the community conversation.

State to Administer Moderna, Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Booster Shots 

Minnesotans who have received their first and second Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or their single Johnson & Johnson dose, can now receive their booster shots.

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance, Minnesotans who got the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine can now get a booster at least six months after their initial series if they are:

• 65 years and older;
• Age 18 and older and live in long-term care settings;
• Age 18 and older and have underlying medical conditions; 
• Age 18 and older and work or live in high-risk settings.

The CDC also recommends that Minnesotans 18 and older who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine get a booster shot at least 2 months after their initial vaccine.

Officials also authorized 'mixing and matching' COVID-19 vaccine boosters, meaning anybody who is eligible to get a booster shot can get any of the three currently authorized or approved vaccines – Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson – regardless of what product they received for their primary series. Minnesotans can direct questions about mixing and matching doses to their healthcare provider.

How Minnesotans can get their free shot:

• Use the state’s Vaccine Locator Map to find a vaccine provider near you.
• Check for vaccine appointments at gov, where you can search for appointments by vaccine type (e.g., Pfizer).
• Contact your primary health care provider or a local pharmacy.
• Walk in to one of Minnesota’s COVID-19 Community Vaccination sites.
• Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 Public Hotline 
  • 1-833-431-2053
  • -Fri., 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. & Sat., 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

WeCAN Winter Coat Drive

So grateful for all the great work WeCAN (Western Communities Action Network) and its staff and volunteers do for people in our communities.

There’s still time to donate to their Winter Coat Drive this year! Now through November 1, WeCAN is accepting donations for gently used coats, snow pants, boots, and new hats and mittens. Check out more information above for drop-off locations and times.

Keep in Touch

Thank you for the honor of representing our district in the Minnesota House. Please reach out with questions or input to rep.kelly.morrison@house.mn.

Have a great weekend!

Take care, 

Kelly