Beloved Community,
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in violence against Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI), immigrants, and international citizens. Over the past month in particular, there has been a rise of anti-AAPI violence, and these violent acts have culminated in the horrific murders in Atlanta, Georgia, which included six AAPI women. We must all stand up and confront hate when we see it, I stand with our AAPI communities and will work to ensure that they feel safe wherever they are. Please watch my colleague Rep. Tou Xiong’s speech on this tragedy, and the Minnesota Asian Pacific Caucuses statement on the issue.
Upcoming Virtual Town Hall
Join us on tomorrow, March 23 at 6pm, to learn about what we are working on this legislative session and to share your ideas about the changes we need in our community. We look forward to connecting!
The town hall will be streamed to Facebook. It is strongly advised that you submit questions ahead of time, you can do so and join us directly on the Zoom by filling out this form: https://forms.gle/5aJDtdz27DbfsQ6t6
Aid for Children Experiencing Homelessness
Last Wednesday, my bill HF 1791, was heard in the House Taxes Committee. This bill would provide funding to the counties to provide a variety of services that would help prevent student homelessness. By creating a strong safety net for these nearly 10,000 children we will not only save on the human cost of homelessness, but on material long term expenses across the state. If we fund these programs up front, the solution could pay for itself. We have the resources, the capability, and the moral obligation to end homelessness, I am pleased to see this bill continue to move forward. You can watch the full testimony and questions on this important bill, here.
Covid-19 Update
Minnesota continues to make significant progress in overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic, over 2 million Minnesotans have been vaccinated at least once, which includes 77% of seniors. Last week, Governor Walz announced more Minnesotans are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine following the arrival of Johnson & Johnson’s single-dose version. We still have more demand than supply, but we’re continuing to speed up the distribution of the vaccine. If you haven’t yet, sign up for the state’s Vaccine Connector to get connected with opportunities once you’re eligible.
The governor announced that some business, activity, and gathering would be updated to ease restrictions in light of COVID cases, hospitalizations, and deaths trending downward. Many in our community are still vulnerable though, and we can’t lose sight of that. While we look forward to a summer that resembles normal, right now we need to continue taking the steps necessary to protect one another like social distancing, wearing a mask around others, and getting tested if we need to.
Keep In Touch
As always, feel free to reach out with any feedback or questions you have for me! I always appreciate working in partnership with you. You can also follow me on my Facebook page. Everything is moving quickly right now so be sure to stay connected.
In solidarity,
Aisha Gomez
651-296-7152
rep.aisha.gomez@house.mn