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Dear neighbors,
I hope you and your loved ones are healthy and doing well.
I never expected that I would have to address an attack on our nation’s Capitol in my first legislative update. What we saw last week was more than an attack on a building and the legislators, staff, and people inside it. It was an attack on our democracy and an attempt to undermine a free and fair election, sparked by inflammatory rhetoric and the spread of misinformation. Tragically, it caused the death of five people, including a Capitol police officer. Those who participated in the violence or deliberately provoked it must be held accountable.
While last Wednesday was a dark day in our nation’s history, I remain confident in our ability to overcome the challenges we’re facing together. I look forward to working with you to protect and strengthen our democracy.
2021 Legislative Session Begins
Last Tuesday, I was sworn in for my first term in the Minnesota House of Representatives. I’m honored by the trust Eagan residents have placed in me and excited to spend my time working for you and the state of Minnesota.
This session, I’ll be serving on the Health Finance and Policy Committee, the Housing Finance and Policy Committee, the Preventing Homelessness Policy Division, and the Capital Investment Committee. In these positions and through other legislation, I’m committed to building a stronger, more equitable Minnesota.
Vaccine Distribution Update
I’m pleased to report that approximately 144,500 Minnesotans have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, including more than 8,000 Dakota County residents. As you may have heard or seen in the news, the vaccine is being administered in phases in order to make the most of the initial limited supply. Health care workers and long-term care residents will be the first to receive it, followed by essential workers, those 65 or older, and those with underlying health conditions. All vaccinations will be provided at no cost. If you’d like to stay updated throughout the vaccine distribution process, our state’s new Vaccine Data Dashboard is a great resource.
It will take several months to deliver a vaccine to every Minnesota who wants one. In the meantime, it’s important that we keep doing our part to keep each other safe. Please continue following public health guidelines, wearing a mask, social distancing, and getting tested if you feel sick. You can find the latest information about COVID-19 and our state’s response here.
Stay Connected
Due to COVID-19, most of our work this session will be done remotely. There will be plenty of opportunities for Minnesotans to follow and participate in the legislative process. All public hearings and floor sessions will be broadcast on five House live stream channels. House Public Information Services is a great resource for nonpartisan news from the Capitol. You can follow their page on Facebook or subscribe to Session Daily to receive updates.
I’ll send these emails regularly throughout the legislative session, and you can follow my official Facebook page for more frequent updates. If you have friends, neighbors, or relatives who may want to receive these updates, please let them know they can subscribe here.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions, ideas, or feedback or if I can be of assistance. You can reach me at rep.liz.reyer@house.mn or 651-296-4128.
Sincerely,
Liz Reyer
State Representative
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