Dear Neighbors,
This week is the end of our House deadlines where we have to pass bills through certain committees if we want them to have a chance of becoming law this year. Because of the deadline we have been really busy in our various committees hearing important budget bills. After this week the Legislature will be in recess for the next week as we prepare for the final stretch of session. Here are some updates from the Capitol:
House Education Finance Bill
The House Education Finance Committee recently passed its comprehensive finance bill. I have worked hard this session to ensure we are putting forward a budget which recognizes the needs of our schools and funds those needs accordingly. Our budget will help ensure that every child receives the education they deserve by providing over $1.5 billion in new investments, as opposed to the Republican plan of providing only $30 million in new investments.
Avian Influenza
There is a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) spreading through bird populations across the nation. Most confirmed cases of HPAI have been in backyard flocks. Highly pathogenic avian influenza is a reportable disease. If your flock has sudden, high death rates or many birds with signs of HPAI, contact your veterinarian or the Minnesota Board of Animal Health, at 651-296-2942, right away. Learn more here.
New COVID-19 Testing Approach
Minnesota households are now eligible to receive two test kits (for a total of four tests) per home through the mail at mn.gov/covid19. Minnesota has secured 500,000 test kits (for a total of 1 million at-home tests) and the program will be available until all the test kits are ordered.
Through the federal government, Minnesotans can order free rapid at-home tests at CovidTests.gov. Food banks, local public health agencies, community groups, and other community health organizations may also have free tests available. Due to actions taken by the Biden Administration, costs for over-the-counter at-home COVID-19 tests are now required to be covered by health insurance plans.
With the lessons we’ve learned over the last two years, Minnesota is well-positioned to respond effectively if case counts tick upward again. While we all hope to avoid another wave, testing continues to be important for preventing the spread of the virus. Getting a test is still recommended if you:
- have symptoms of the virus.
- have had close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.
- are returning from international or domestic travel.
- attended a high-risk event.
- work in a setting that has regular, close contact with many people.
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