Dear Neighbors,
Last week, state legislators announced a new Reproductive Freedom Caucus to promote and protect the reproductive rights of all Minnesotans. I joined this important caucus because we must fight for unrestricted reproductive health for all Minnesotans. Anti-choice legislators are already working on legislation that will cause significant harm and devastate the lives and the rights of millions of Minnesotans. We cannot let repressive legislation which has taken over other states gain any ground here. I will do everything in my power to ensure no law passes which would infringe upon your rights. You can watch the press conference announcing this new caucus here.
Special Session
The Frontline Worker Pay Group continues their work of determining how best to allocate federal funds to Minnesota frontline workers. This group needs to come to a decision before the Legislature can vote on it. Instead of working on a plan to support Minnesota’s essential workers, however, Senate Republicans recently called on the Governor to convene a special session without an agreement that protects hardworking State Commissioners. Senate Republicans are deflecting the issue at hand, putting Minnesotans’ health at risk by threatening to fire the state’s top health official, Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm, amid a global pandemic, when Minnesota’s hospitals are full and COVID-19 cases are rising. Now is not the time to play politics and stonewall critical work that will help Minnesotans.
Utility Assistance
Utility assistance has been extended throughout the state. This is critical as we head into winter and heating bills begin to build up. If you or someone you know has lower income and needs help with utilities, applications for assistance can be completed here.
COVID-19
We continue to see significant spread of the Covid-19 virus across the state. It’s important for all of us to work together to keep everyone in our community safe and healthy. If you are not yet vaccinated, I encourage you to do so. You can find information about where to do that here. If you have questions, I encourage you to reach out to a trusted and reliable source, such as your healthcare provider. The Minnesota Department of Health and the CDC are also valuable resources.
It is also important to continue the other safe behaviors we know to be effective in keeping our community safe. If you are not feeling well, or suspect you have been exposed to someone with Covid-19, please get tested; you can find resources for that here. I also encourage everyone to follow the CDC guidelines and wear a mask indoors in public spaces and outdoors when in crowded settings and large groups. We all wish the pandemic was over, but the reality is that it is not and this is how we protect each other, especially all kids under 12 who cannot yet be vaccinated. We will get through this by working together.
Federal health officials have now authorized Pfizer COVID-19 booster shots for seniors and high-risk adults who received their second Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago.
Minnesotans who got the Pfizer vaccine can now get a Pfizer booster at least six months after their initial series according to the following guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
- people 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings should receive a booster;
- people aged 50–64 years with underlying medical conditions should receive a booster;
- people aged 18–49 years with underlying medical conditions may receive a booster; and
- people aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting (e.g. frontline medical workers, educators, child care personnel, and first responders) may receive a booster.
Minnesotans with an underlying medical condition can speak with their health care provider about whether a booster is right for them. The list of medical conditions categorized as high-risk by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is available here.
Do not get a booster shot before you are eligible. While it will be important to get your booster shot, you should only get it when it is recommended, not earlier. A booster given too early may not be as effective at increasing protection.
Research shows that the COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective at preventing severe illness and death. While boosters increase protection, people who are fully vaccinated continue to have good protection against severe illness and hospitalization, even once it starts to decline.
Fall
Every year, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources compiles a “Fall Color Finder” to show which areas of the state are in peak color change, or haven’t quite peaked yet, so you can plan your next leaf peeping adventure. I encourage you to get out and visit one of our amazing state or regional parks so you can take full advantage of our beautiful state.
Stay in Touch
Please feel free to reach out to me by email at rep.kaela.berg@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-5387. If you have a friend, neighbor, or relative who wants to receive updates about the Legislature, let them know they can subscribe to my email list here, and follow my Facebook here. It’s an honor to represent our community. Please stay in touch.
Sincerely,
Kaela Berg, District 56B
423 State Office Building
St. Paul, MN 55155