Legislative Update - The Latest on COVID Vaccines

Dear Neighbors, 

This week saw the first few days of the Biden Administration, and already we’re seeing the changes that are sorely needed to help Minnesota and our country. We face a lot of challenges, as a state and as a nation, and I look forward to working with the Biden Administration as we weather this pandemic and build back better for all Americans.

I joined Dave Lee at WCCO radio to talk about the inauguration and the first few weeks of session, which you can listen to here. I also sat down with Sahan Journal and VOA News to discuss my path to the Minnesota house, and the historic diversity at the Minnesota Legislature this year. 

The Latest on COVID Vaccines

As we continue to vaccinate the medical professionals on the front lines of this pandemic, the state has now started the process of setting appointments for the next group of Minnesotans eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. A new pilot program will establish vaccination sites throughout the state (the closest to our community being in Brooklyn Center and Andover). Individuals who are 65 years or older, as well as school staff and child care workers, will now be able to make appointments to receive the vaccine. If you are a school staff member or child care worker you will schedule an appointment through your employer.

To be clear, there is still an extremely limited supply of vaccines - so much so that during the launch of the pilot program on Tuesday, the majority of Minnesotans attempting to schedule an appointment were unable to get through. More appointments will reopen on Tuesday, January 26, at noon, and those who are 65 years or older can attempt to schedule an appointment here. Appointments will continue to reopen on the following Tuesdays at noon. There’s not yet enough vaccines for all who would want one, and while more are coming, it’s important that we wear masks, wash hands, and still distance in the meantime.

Democracy for the People Act

This week, we introduced a legislative package I’m co-authoring called the Democracy for the People Act, which would build a strong, inclusive democracy that works for all Minnesotans - no matter your race, age, region, or party.

The Democracy for the People Act would ensure state and local elections officials can access the critical federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA) funds they need for election security and infrastructure; establish more ballot drop box and return sites; and restore the right to vote for those returning from prison. You can read more about the Democracy for the People Act here.

COVID-19 Business Relief

As part of the Minnesota Legislature’s bipartisan COVID-19 assistance package, the Minnesota Department of Revenue recently issued $67.3 million in COVID-19 Business Relief Payments to 3,981 restaurants, bars, gyms, and similar businesses across the state. 

If you own or know of an eligible business that has not received a payment, contact the Department of Revenue through the online inquiry process. The inquiry process will be open until Friday, February 5, when an additional round of payments will be made after that date for businesses that qualify.  

Stay Connected

We’re in the full swing of the 2021 Legislative Session. With committee hearings and much of the floor session being conducted virtually, you can keep track of the latest news by visiting House Public Information, which also has livestreams and recordings of our official work. 

My legislative web page is a great place to keep tabs on our work this session, like HF 41, the Emergency Sick Leave Act I'm signed on to. I also encourage you to “like'' and follow my official Facebook page. If you’re new to these legislative updates, you can subscribe to them here, and be sure to share with anyone in our community who might be interested. 

If you have any questions or comments, the best way to contact me is either (651) 296-8659 or rep.esther.agbaje@house.mn. When contacting our office, you’ll either get through to me, or my legislative assistant, Tenzin. I look forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely, 

Esther Agbaje 

State Representative, 59B