Dear Neighbors,
This week the House debated the ‘SAFE’ act which would create a $35 million fund for police enforcement during the upcoming Chauvin trial. I voted against this bill, the entire reason we are in this situation in the first place is because George Floyd was lynched in broad daylight. The violence of police against our communities has led to this trauma and destruction. We have yet to fund the needed recovery for our communities, we have yet to listen to our BIPOC communities who have experienced this trauma. You can listen to my full speech on this issue, here, and the statement of the DFL Legislators who voted no on this bill here.
Vaccine Connector
Yesterday, the state of Minnesota launched a new tool to help let Minnesotans know when they are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. We have all been eager to receive a vaccine as soon as possible, and luckily there are reasons to be optimistic that distribution will greatly accelerate soon. In the meantime, the new Vaccine Connector will alert Minnesotans when they are eligible, connect you to resources to schedule an appointment, and notify you about vaccine opportunities near you. Learn more and sign up here. Assistance is also available over the phone at 833-431-2053.
Middle and High Students Back to the Classroom
This week Governor Walz announced a plan to have all middle and high schools offer in-person learning by March 8. The direct engagement students have with their teachers and peers is critical toward both their academic achievement and their development into young adults. This plan is possible thanks to the precautions we have all taken to slow the spread, and progress we’ve made to get folks vaccinated.
Having students back in the classroom is only one step toward rebounding from the pandemic. We must also work together to address learning loss over the past year, invest in critical wrap-around supports, and deliver necessary funding for school districts.
Keep in touch
If you have friends, neighbors, or co-workers who might be interested in subscribing to this newsletter, they can do so here, and follow me on Facebook here. I’m grateful for the honor of serving you and our community. Please, now more than ever, feel free to reach out to my office.
Rep. Hodan Hassan,
531 State Office Building
(651) 296-0294
www.house.leg.state.mn.us/62A