Legislative Update: Safely Lifting COVID-19 Restrictions

Neighbors,

Today, Governor Walz announced a timeline for getting back to normalcy as COVID-19 safety precautions begin to be lifted. Minnesotans have worked hard to keep each other safe, and I am extremely proud of everyone for taking actions to keep yourself and each other safe while the pandemic raged in Minnesota and took the lives of so many of our friends and neighbors. I know we are all looking forward to returning to the activities we enjoy and spending time with family and friends.

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Day

Wednesday at the Capitol, I was joined by many of my colleagues to observe Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women’s Day, a national and state remembrance. Although American Indian women and girls comprise only 1% of the state’s population, from 2010 through 2018, 8% of all murdered women and girls in Minnesota were American Indian. From 27-54 American Indian women and girls in Minnesota were missing in any given month from 2012 -2020.

I am grateful for my friends and colleagues supporting the efforts to create the Office for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives. #MMIWR_MN.

You can read the Star Tribune article about yesterday’s event here.

Budget Talks Continue

I have been appointed to the Higher Education conference committee, and last week we held our first couple of meetings. So far, we are comparing versions of the House and Senate measures and identifying same or similar provisions. We are listening to all those who care about the future of our students and the paths they will follow now and in the future. I will work with my House and Senate colleagues to craft a balanced compromise budget.

I am extremely proud of my DFL freshmen class, several of whom have been appointed to key conference committees. Our legislative public service began with strong passions to make a positive impact on the future of our state and our next generations.

With just a few days until session adjourns on May 17, there is still much work ahead. I look forward to finalizing our Higher Education budget and passing the remainder of our budget.

You can watch live floor sessions here, follow the daily legislative schedules here, and monitor conference committee schedules here.

Rent Assistance Available

RentHelpMN has opened for applications, making it possible for low- and moderate-income renters to get caught up on overdue rent and utilities dating back to March 13, 2020. It also makes provisions for those at risk of falling behind on rent payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vaccination Update

The most recent data released shows more than 2.6 million Minnesotans have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Since vaccine eligibility has expanded, more Minnesotans are getting appointments every day. Find our opportunity by clicking on mn.gov/vaccineconnector, calling 833-431-2053 or contacting your health insurance carrier to help you find out when, where, and how to get a vaccine. This link shows Minnesota’s most recent statistics about who is getting vaccinated, and other key data.

Stay Connected

The Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services offers nonpartisan recaps of legislative action with their Session Daily publication. Subscribe here. You can track bills of interest through the legislative process by utilizing the MyBills feature on the Minnesota House of Representatives’ website here.  

Contact me anytime at rep.heather.keeler@house.mn. I welcome your questions and comments. Also, you are welcome to “like” my Facebook page.

Thank you for the privilege of representing you in the legislature.

Sincerely,   

Heather Keeler

State Representative

District 4A - rep.heather.keeler@house.mn 
431 State Office Building
St. Paul, MN 55155
651-296-5515

Committee Assignments:
Vice Chair: Preventing Homelessness Division
Education Policy
Environment and Natural Resources Finance & Policy
Higher Education Finance & Policy

Legislative assistant:
Robin Schmidt
robin.schmidt@house.mn
651-296-8197