Legislative Update- November 10, 2021

Dear Neighbors,

I hope this email finds you and your family well. It’s hard to believe November is already upon us. In between staying connected with our community and balancing legislative responsibilities, it’s been a busy fall.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day drop off.

Advocating with Plymouth Allina nurses for fair wages & scheduling..

Grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in a ride along with Hennepin Healthcare.

Hennepin County Commissioner Anderson, Plymouth City Manager Callister and I are working on positive outcomes for County Rd 47.

Keeping our Plymouth Community Safe by Investing in Infrastructure 

It was my honor to recently break ground on the North Metro Public Safety Training facility expansion. The expansion we funded via a state infrastructure bill at the legislature will incorporate modernized training capabilities to include simulation training, de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques, and additional classroom space for local, county, state, and federal law enforcement. Special thanks to Plymouth Public Safety Director Erik Fadden for his partnership and work in keeping our community safe. Next week, I'll be showing the House Capital Investment Committee the critical updates we need to make County Road 47 safe in Plymouth.

You can click here to see how Minnesota will benefit as a result of the recently passed Infrastructure bill at the federal level. 

Protecting Quality, World Renowned Research in Health Care at the U of M

When we invest in higher education, Minnesotans win.

I recently toured the Health Sciences Education Center. HSEC is a state-of-the-art facility designed to transform health education in Minnesota. As one of the most comprehensive interprofessional education facilities in the country, HSEC is the premier training site for tomorrow’s health professional. Replacing old and outdated classrooms, HSEC provides a unifying space for health science students and faculty, and promotes teamwork across schools.

I was grateful for the opportunity to see firsthand the M Simulation Center, Visible Heart Lab, and the Health Sciences Library. Thank you to Dr. Mark Rosenberg, Dr. Lou Clark, Dr. Jakub Tolar, Dr. Paul Anthony Iaizzo, and Interim Director Erinn Aspinall for all you do for our students and for sharing how these investments can deliver positive health outcomes to Minnesotans.

Children Aged 5-11 Now Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccine

Last week, Minnesota received the news that the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine has received federal approval for children between the ages of 5-11.  

More than 1,100 providers are prepared to offer the vaccine to young Minnesotans with parental permission. The new website, mn.gov/vaxforkids, can help Plymouth families find a provider and answer any questions they may have about the vaccine. Parents and guardians can also check if their pediatrician, family medicine clinic, or pharmacy has appointments available or watch for vaccination clinics at schools.

Community clinics have been launched across the state. The closest location near our community is the Mall of America, and you can sign up for an appointment here.

Visit with Honors Mentor Connection Students at Wayzata High School

It was fun to connect with Honors Mentor Connection students at Wayzata High School. I was honored for the invitation to give a presentation on risk taking and perceptions. A key message I shared was that as humans, we always have to take some time to step back and examine ourselves, our opinions, and our prejudices in order to see the facts of what is happening. As your state legislator, these are principles I carry with me and take very seriously.

It was great to participate in a lively discussion with these thoughtful and engaged future leaders.

Redistricting Update

As I mentioned in my last update, the House Redistricting Committee, on which I serve as the vice chair, has been laying the groundwork to draw new congressional and legislative maps, required every 10 years following the U.S. Census. We’re committed to ensuring new maps are fair and to the extent possible, keep communities together. We’ve heard input from interested Minnesotans across the state, and recently took our first action by approving a series of principles to guide our work.

It was an honor to develop and work with colleagues on these bipartisan principles for our redistricting process.

Hennepin Homeownership Preservation Program

Residents of Hennepin County who are behind in mortgage payments and other housing expenses can apply for the new Hennepin Homeownership Preservation Program (HHPP), which has been designed to provide support to homeowners.

To determine if you are eligible for HHPP, please complete the eligibility form below. Alternatively, you may call 651-236-8952 for assistance. Click here to view FAQs for the program.

Veterans Drive-Thru Breakfast

On this Veterans Day, Thursday, November 11, all Hy-Vee stores will be providing a complimentary breakfast to veterans – and also offering a 15% discount to all veterans all day long. I'll be volunteering at the Plymouth Hy-Vee, handing out meals curbside and wishing our veterans many thanks for their service. Find more details, including registration, here.

Keep in Touch

Please continue to reach out anytime with questions or ideas at rep.ginny.klevorn@house.mn or 651-296-5511. Your input drives my work for our Plymouth neighbors at the State Capitol. 

Have a great rest of the week.

Take care,

Ginny Klevorn
State Representative