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Dear Neighbors,
This week, our nation turned a page with the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. I’m looking forward to building our next chapter with all of you.
Defending and Strengthening Our Democracy
Our democracy has been tested in unimaginable ways. Over the last year, it has been battered by a global pandemic, a violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, and repeated attempts to undermine the will of voters. Thankfully, our democracy worked despite these challenges. 3.3 million Minnesotans – from every region, race, generation, and political persuasion – showed up to vote and participate in our democracy. You sent us to the Legislature to build a strong, inclusive democracy with Minnesotans at the center. That’s why yesterday, I introduced HF 9 to defend and strengthen our democracy.
The Democracy for the People Act strengthens the right to vote and creates new opportunities for Minnesotans to participate in our democracy by:
- Restoring the right to vote to people on probation or parole
- Ensuring every voter has the information and support they need to cast their ballot
- Enabling and encouraging people-powered elections and campaigns
- Empowering voters and communities and reducing the power of corporations and wealthy individuals trying to influence our politics
- Protecting voters and election officials from intimidation and harassment
- Expanding voting rights
Want to learn more? Check out a video of the press conference and the press release!
Join us at our District 63 Town Hall!
Rep. Jim Davnie, Sen. Patricia Torres Ray, and I are holding a town hall next week. We hope you can join us to discuss the 2021 legislative session and issues that are important to our community. To participate, please visit my new Facebook page on Saturday, January 30 at 10 a.m.
COVID-19 Business Assistance
The Minnesota Department of Revenue recently issued $67.3 million in COVID-19 Business Relief Payments to nearly 4,000 restaurants, bars, gyms, and similar businesses across the state. These payments were part of the bipartisan assistance package that the Minnesota Legislature passed in December.
Businesses that didn’t receive a payment but think they meet the program criteria can contact the Department of Revenue through an online inquiry process. The inquiry process will be open until Friday, February 5. An additional round of payments will be made after that date for businesses that qualify.
Vaccine Distribution Update
According to the Department of Health, 214,050 Minnesotans have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, including more than 43,000 Hennepin County residents. As you may have heard or seen in the news, the vaccine is being administered in phases. Health care workers and long-term care residents will be the first to receive it, followed by essential workers, those 65 or older, and those with underlying health conditions. If you’d like to stay updated throughout the distribution process, Minnesota’s new Vaccine Data Dashboard is a great resource.
Earlier this week, the Minnesota Department of Health launched a COVID-19 vaccine pilot program to deliver vaccines to Minnesotans who are 65 or older, teachers, school staff, and child care workers. While educators will receive appointment notifications through their employers, Minnesotans who are 65 or older can make their own appointments at nine locations across the state. Appointments are currently full, but available spots will refresh every Tuesday at noon. Eligible Minnesotans can book appointments online here or call (612) 426-7230.
Unfortunately, the vaccine supply is still extremely limited, and we’re not yet at the point where everyone who’s eligible will be able to get vaccinated. In the meantime, we must remain patient and continue following public health guidelines to protect our communities.
Stay Connected
If you’d like to receive more frequent updates, please follow my official Facebook page. I’ll share news and helpful resources there on a regular basis.
I appreciate all of the questions, ideas, and input that I’ve received during my first few weeks in office. Please continue reaching out! You can contact me at rep.emma.greenman@house.mn or (651) 296-4200.
Sincerely,
Emma Greenman
State Representative
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