Dear Neighbors, I want to start off this update by recognizing how critical State Capitol staff are to our work as lawmakers. This week, Kyle, my former legislative assistant, left the legislature for another endeavor. His send-off provided me an opportunity to visit with all of my former aides: Anna, Eric, and Katie, along with Mikayla, my current legislative assistant.  Our staff supports us in much bigger ways than handling the schedule or opening mail. On multiple instances since I joined the House in 2019, constituents have called or written feeling hopeless due to a problem they’ve experienced, and my staff has helped navigate a path to a solution. One constituent wrote in to share that her son with a disability also had a rare eye condition. He required a procedure to correct it, but she was informed it wasn’t eligible for coverage under Medical Assistance, and as a result, the family was facing a bill in excess of $5,000. While I was preparing legislation to fix this specific loophole, our terrific House staff advocated with the agency to close this this loophole for Minnesotans in need of this procedure. Recently, a constituent with difficulties related to her student loans contacted us, and our staff provided her with information that enabled her to refinance the loans and save hundreds of dollars per month. This part of our jobs as legislators is extremely rewarding and doesn’t get nearly enough attention. None of this would be possible without dedicated staff quietly working behind the scenes to solve problems and improve people’s lives. In addition to thanking them, I want to take this opportunity to remind you to feel free to reach out with issues you are facing. Sometimes they can be addressed with legislation, but there are other matters we may be able to help solve without requiring a bill. Gun Violence Prevention Update I’ve received many inquiries from the community about our work at the State Capitol to prevent gun violence. This is a priority for many people in our community, and it’s a priority I personally share so all Minnesotans can be safe at work, at school, or anywhere else. On Monday, April 18 at 7pm, you’re invited to join me and Rep. Jamie Becker-Finn for a Gun Violence Prevention Update on Zoom. We will discuss solutions including expanded background checks, extreme risk protection orders, a requirement to report stolen firearms to law enforcement, safe storage requirements, and community violence prevention grants. Experts and survivor advocates on the issue will also share updates. The event is open to anyone living in Senate District 42. If you’d like to join us, please RSVP here and you will receive a link to participate closer to the event date. Supporting Minnesota WorkersOn Monday we voted on a number of measures to benefit Minnesota workers. We approved legislation guaranteeing Earned Sick and Safe Time for all Minnesota workers. Even during a pandemic when people were told over and over again to stay home when they’re sick, about two-thirds of workers in low-wage positions don’t have access to any sick time. Expecting workers to choose between getting healthy and getting paid is simply wrong. Earned Sick and Safe Time is the solution our state needs to ensure everyone can have the fundamental ability to take care of themselves or a loved one if they get sick. The House also passed legislation that protects and empowers Minnesota’s warehouse workers by requiring corporations like Amazon to disclose all quotas and performance standards. Finally, we ratified labor contracts for many of our state employees. These hardworking Minnesotans keep us safe, protect our public health, clear our highways of snow, and provide so many other critical public services. We value their efforts, and they deserve fair compensation to support themselves and their families. COVID-19 Tests AvailableMinnesota’s COVID-19 numbers have decreased significantly recently, with fewer positive tests and serious illnesses. Meanwhile, with fewer people feeling sick, demand for testing has also dropped. As the pandemic evolves, Minnesota is also changing its testing strategy, gradually moving away from saliva tests toward rapid at-home tests. Minnesota households are now eligible to receive two test kits (for a total of four tests) per home through the mail at mn.gov/covid19. Minnesota has secured 500,000 test kits (for a total of 1 million at-home tests) and the program will be available until all the test kits are ordered. Through the federal government, Minnesotans can order additional free rapid at-home tests at CovidTests.gov. Food banks, local public health agencies, community groups, and other community health organizations may also have free tests available. Due to actions taken by the Biden Administration, costs for over-the-counter at-home COVID-19 tests are now required to be covered by health insurance plans. Getting a test is still recommended if you have symptoms, have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, after traveling, or if you’ve attended a high-risk event. Additionally, if you haven’t yet done so, get vaccinated against COVID-19, or if you’re eligible, a booster. The FDA also issued new guidance this week for people aged 50 or older or who are immune-compromised to get an additional booster dose. Stay in TouchPlease feel free to contact me directly with your viewpoints or if I can be of assistance. My email is rep.kelly.moller@house.mn and my phone number is 651-296-0141. You can learn about bills that have been introduced here and keep track of the bills I’ve authored here. If you have neighbors, friends, or family who you think would find these updates valuable, please share this with them; they can subscribe here. I also encourage you to “like” or “follow” me on Facebook. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you. Sincerely, Kelly Moller
State Representative |