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Dear neighbors,
It’s been a busy time at the House! Committee work has taken center stage as we move legislation along. Last week I presented eight bills that address issues ranging from housing and homelessness to environment to improving access to health care. All of them successfully advanced to the next step in the legislative process, and there are more to be heard!
Let me tell you about just a few. Did you know that...
- Not even 40 percent of children with Medicaid insurance get dental care every year. They have coverage, but there are not enough dentists who will accept the insurance. This problem has persisted for many years, and now we're going down a new path with Dental Home Advisory pilot programs, building on the successes from behavioral health and medical care (HF 1918).
- There is a big gap in our regional bike trail system. When you come across the Minnesota River at Hwy 77, you’ll find yourself pedaling down Hwy 13 to get to the next leg of the trail. This project fills this gap and makes the entire system safer and more accessible (HF 1599).
- Minnesota law allows certain private hospitals and ambulance services to take your tax return to cover unpaid medical debt. This bill protects Minnesotans by stopping this practice for private sector businesses (HF 363).
You can see the complete list of bills that I have authored here. Thank you for the privilege of doing this work for our community!
Constituent Week at the Capitol Visitors
Several groups have held their annual Day or Week at the Capitol lately, and there are many more on my calendar. Even though we’ve had to do them by Zoom this year, I’ve appreciated that so many of you take the time to visit with me. I’ve had a chance to meet with many groups about labor, racial justice, disability, education, environmental, and health care issues, among others. It’s a fabulous way to hear your priorities and learn from your experiences. Thank you! And please don’t wait for events like these to share your thoughts—I'm always happy to hear from you.
Respond to My Legislative Survey
It’s important to me to have as much input as possible as I advocate for our community at the Capitol. I’m grateful for all of the feedback I’ve received this year through email and phone calls, during meetings, and on social media. This week, I’m launching a new way to share your thoughts and experiences, as well as your vision for the future. Please take a few minutes to respond to my legislative survey.
COVID Restrictions Eased
On Friday, Governor Walz announced that several COVID-19 restrictions would be rolled back or modified in the coming weeks. The graphic below outlines the adjustments he announced, most of which took effect earlier today. You can find more details at staysafe.mn.gov.
This is great news for Minnesota! At the same time, we must keep our guard up and take precautions to protect the progress we’ve made. It’s still very important to wear a mask, practice social distancing, and take steps to protect yourself and others. Enjoy and stay safe!
Vaccine Eligibility Expanded
In related news, we are moving quickly to open up eligibility for vaccination.
More than 1.8 million Minnesotans are newly eligible to receive a vaccine, including:
- People with certain underlying conditions, including sickle cell disease, down syndrome, and oxygen-dependent chronic lung or heart conditions, and those who are in active cancer treatment or immunocompromised from organ transplant
- People with rare conditions or disabilities that put them at higher risk
- Food processing plant workers
These groups will receive priority, but providers may offer available appointments to others who are eligible, including Minnesotans from the next tier:
- Essential frontline workers, including airport staff, child care workers who weren’t previously eligible, first responders, judicial system workers, public health workers, U.S. Postal Service workers, and those who work in agriculture; correctional settings; food production, retail, or service; manufacturing, and public transit
I encourage you to sign up for the COVID-19 Vaccine Connector if you haven’t already. In some cases, your employer will have more information on vaccine availability, and it’s a good idea to be in touch with your health care provider too.
Please continue sharing your feedback, ideas, and questions throughout the legislative session. It’s an honor to represent you.
Sincerely,
Liz Reyer
State Representative
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