Legislative Update: February 19, 2021

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Dear Neighbors,

According to data reported as of February 16th, the total vaccine doses administered in the state of Minnesota is 974,427. The speed of vaccination is picking up to approximately 100,000 people each week, and there have been a series of online tools that make it easier for eligible individuals to schedule appointments and access the latest news on COVID-19 information.

The COVID-19 Vaccine Connector Tool 

Minnesota has just launched a new tool to make reliable vaccine updates and COVID-19 related information reach you faster.  The COVID-19 Vaccine Connector will help Minnesotans find out when, where, and how to get their COVID-19 vaccine.

When you become eligible, the Vaccine Connector will:

• alert you of your eligibility;
• connect you to resources to schedule a vaccine appointment; and
• notify you if there are vaccine opportunities in your area.

As Minnesotans become eligible for the vaccine, they will still make appointments directly through a registered vaccinator at this time. You can find vaccination centers near you here. 

However, this Connector is an easy way for Minnesotans to stay updated about their eligibility and find opportunities to get a shot once it’s their turn. For more information about signing up, eligibility, and more, visit: https://mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/connector/. 

Minnesotans unable to sign up online can have family or friends help them sign up online, or call 833-431-2053 for assistance signing up over the phone.

Vaccine distribution got off to a slow start throughout the nation, but Minnesota is making improvements every week as we receive more doses from the federal government. A new online vaccine locator map is available to help Minnesotans more easily find and connect with local vaccine providers. This map will grow as the federal government sends Minnesota more doses. Another helpful resource for information about COVID-19 is https://mn.gov/covid19.

Loosening of COVID-19 Restrictions

Last Friday, Governor Walz loosened restrictions on businesses. The new Executive Order, which went into effect on February 13, takes steps to further reopen Minnesota’s economy safely, including:

• Increasing the “not to exceed” capacity in restaurants to 250, while leaving the maximum capacity at 50 percent
• Increasing indoor entertainment “not to exceed” capacity to 250, while leaving the maximum capacity at 25 percent
• Increasing private events and celebrations “not to exceed” capacity to 50, while leaving the maximum capacity at 25
• Increasing gym and pool “not to exceed” capacity to 250, while leaving maximum capacity at 25 percent, and reducing distancing requirement to 6 feet.
• Allowing restaurants to stay open until 11 p.m.

Additionally, the White House recently signed a contract for 200 million more COVID-19 vaccine doses. The speed at which the state can administer shots is tied directly to the supply we receive from the federal government, which will help more Minnesotans get vaccinated. Case counts and positivity rates continue to trend downward, too, so there are many reasons to be optimistic. Still, we can’t take our eye off the ball, especially with new, more contagious variants emerging. Be sure to continue wearing a mask around others, practice social distancing, and get tested if you think you might need one.

Plan to Bring More Students Back to Classrooms

As hospitalizations and new COVID-19 cases decline and Minnesota makes progress vaccinating educators, Governor Tim Walz announced an update to Minnesota’s Safe Learning Plan to allow more middle and high school students to return to the classroom. 

Beginning February 22, all middle and high school students can return to the classroom for hybrid or in-person learning. Governor Walz expects all schools to offer their students some form of in-person learning by March 8.

In addition to the new health and safety protocols, students and families who are learning in person, in a hybrid learning model, or participating in sports and activities are strongly encouraged to receive a COVID-19 test every two weeks. Families can find locations for free COVID testing on the Minnesota Department of Health’s website.

Approximately 30% of school staff are vaccinated, and more are anticipated to receive the vaccine as we safely open our middle and high schools.

The updated Safe Learning Plan is available here as well as the updated Minnesota Department of Health 2020-2021 Planning Guide for Schools.

MNSure Special Enrollment Period 

Minnesota's health insurance marketplace, MNSure, will be open for a special enrollment period, starting February 16 through May 17, 2021. Life events like moving, having a baby, getting married, or turning 26 allows the special enrollment period to occur. Minnesota residents and families deserve access to quality, affordable health care. It’s critical, now more than ever, for everyone to have insurance. Learn about how to enroll here.

Missing Money/Unclaimed Property

As a result of successful legislation in recent years that is now law, the Minnesota Department of Commerce has developed a secure site that allows Minnesotans to check on their unclaimed property. Common types of unclaimed property can include:

• Dormant bank accounts
• Uncashed checks
• Unclaimed wages
• Insurance claim payments or benefits
• Stocks or bonds
• Safe deposit boxes

The Department is responsible for safeguarding the funds until claimed by the rightful owners. Check to see if you have missing money waiting for you here.

TOWN HALL EVENT!

Thank you so much for the great turn out at the Town Hall event last week. I am looking forward to doing more throughout the session to ensure that all your questions can be heard. 

If you missed last week’s event, you can watch a recorded version here. 

COVID-19 Testing Remains Critical 

Testing remains a critical part of our strategy combating COVID-19, and there are currently more than 20 testing sites located around the state, all of which offer no-barrier access to testing. Make an appointment here.

Keep in Touch

We all want things to get back to normal, and getting the vaccine when it’s your turn, along with wearing a mask, social distancing, and staying home if you’re sick will all help us close this chapter quicker.

Please continue to contact me anytime at rep.heather.edelson@house.mn or 651-296-4363 with your input or questions. You’re welcome also to follow me or ‘like’ my official Facebook page for additional updates.

Thank you for the honor of representing our Edina residents and families in the Minnesota House!

Sincerely,

Heather Edelson

State Representative