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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Esther Agbaje (DFL)

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Legislative Update - The Vaccine Connector

Monday, February 22, 2021

Esther Header

Dear Neighbors, 

There are reasons to be cautiously optimistic as Minnesota experiences a downward trend in COVID hospitalizations, businesses slowly increase capacity, students begin their return to in-person learning, and more Minnesotans are becoming fully vaccinated every day. While we likely won’t see vaccine capacity for all who want it until this summer, last week the state of Minnesota announced the COVID-19 Vaccine Connector.

connector

The Vaccine Connector will serve as a tool to help Minnesotans find out when, where, and how to get their COVID-19 vaccine. When eligible, it will:

  • alert Minnesotans of their eligibility;
  • connect them to resources to schedule a vaccine appointment; and
  • notify them if there are vaccine opportunities in their area.

As we wait for our turn to receive the vaccine, it remains incredibly important that we follow public health guidelines - including wearing a mask, washing our hands, and remaining socially distant. We’re getting closer to the end of this pandemic, and I’m confident we’re going to get there together. 

 


 

Helping Our Local Businesses Rebuild

Last week, the House Capital Investment Committee heard testimony on legislation I’m co-authoring that would help businesses in our community rebuild after the damage sustained during last summer’s civil unrest.

Whether it’s West Broadway, Lake Street, or University Avenue, inaction in assisting these communities will only continue our lack of investment in Black, Indigenous, and Minnesotans of color from owning and operating businesses in the communities where they live. As we continue to recover, we need to make sure these businesses aren’t left behind. As a member of the committee, I was able to help advance this legislation to the next step in the committee process. 

You can hear more about this legislation and the powerful testimony we heard through WCCO’s coverage of the hearing.

 


 

NOAH

While certainly exacerbated by the pandemic, Minnesota was struggling from a housing crisis long before COVID-19. Across the Twin Cities, the growing ranks of renter households are facing an increasingly challenging housing market with rising rents and declining vacancy rates.

I successfully presented my first bill, HF 1118, which supports the preservation of ‘naturally occurring affordable housing’ (NOAH). Now more than ever, we need to increase housing options to make sure everyone has a safe place to lay their head at night. You can read more about the state of NOAH in Minnesota here, and watch that hearing below. 

Agbaje Hearing


 

Town Hall - Save The Date

On Saturday, March 13, I'll be holding a virtual town hall. We'll be starting at 11am, and hosting the call on Zoom. We're still working out specifics, but mark your calendars - more information to come!

 


 

Stay Connected

If you have any questions or comments you may have on our work in the Minnesota House, feel free to contact my office. You can reach me at either (651) 296-8659 or rep.esther.agbaje@house.mn. You can also “like” and follow my official Facebook page or subscribe to these updates to stay connected. I look forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely, 

 

Esther Agbaje

State Representative