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Dear neighbors,
Sen. Scott Dibble, Rep. Frank Hornstein, and I are holding a virtual town hall tomorrow! We hope you’ll join us to discuss the upcoming legislative session and Minnesota’s vaccine distribution plan. To participate, visit Sen. Dibble’s Facebook page this Wednesday, December 16 at 7 p.m.
Minnesota’s COVID-19 Vaccination Plan
The first shipments of the COVID-19 vaccine that the FDA has authorized for emergency use arrived in Minnesota yesterday. According to the vaccination plan that Governor Walz announced last week, 25 distribution hubs across the state will receive vaccine deliveries through the national distribution chain. From there, the vaccine will be distributed to smaller hospitals and clinics. The goal is to quickly, equitably, and safely deliver the vaccine to Minnesotans in every corner of the state.
The vaccine will be made available in phases. Health care workers and long-term care residents will be the first to receive the vaccine, followed by essential workers, seniors, and people with preexisting conditions who are more likely to become seriously ill if they contract the virus. The vaccine will be offered to Minnesotans at no cost.
The vaccine, which is manufactured by the pharmaceutical company Pfizer, underwent rigorous clinical trials. Studies have shown that it is 95 percent effective. However, it won’t be mandatory. Other COVID-19 vaccines are awaiting FDA authorization or in clinical trials.
This is a step in the right direction, but the distribution process will take some time and patience. In the meantime, it’s important to continue doing all we can to curb the spread of the virus. Please continue to wear a mask in public, practice social distancing, stay home when you can, and get tested if you’re feeling sick.
Economic Assistance for Minnesotans
Yesterday, the Minnesota House passed an economic assistance package that will strengthen unemployment insurance for more than 100,000 workers and help our neighborhood restaurants, bars, and small businesses. This is very good news.
The aid we delivered will help Minnesotans make ends meet, but additional assistance is needed. Republicans refused to provide housing assistance, childcare support, and help for Minneapolis and St. Paul businesses that were doubly impacted by the pandemic and civil unrest. I hope the federal government will follow our lead and step up to provide the assistance people are depending on. We will keep fighting for families that are struggling in this difficult time.
Stay Connected
I always appreciate hearing from you, so please don’t hesitate to share questions, ideas, or feedback. You can reach me by email at rep.jamie.long@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-5375.
Sincerely,
Jamie Long
State Representative
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