Dear Neighbors,
KSTP recently highlighted an important bill I am carrying for Second Harvest Heartland and the Minnesotans who rely on their work. CEO Allison O'Toole and her team have done a great job getting food into Minnesotans hands when they need it most. One in nine adults in Minnesota are experiencing food insecurity and one in six kids are too. This was the first bill I ever presented in committee, and I'm proud to stand with and for our neighbors during this time of high need.
Vaccine Connector
Last week, the state of Minnesota launched a new tool to help let Minnesotans know when they are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. We have all been eager to receive a vaccine as soon as possible, and luckily there are reasons to be optimistic that distribution will greatly accelerate soon. In the meantime, the new Vaccine Connector will alert Minnesotans when they are eligible, connect you to resources to schedule an appointment, and notify you about vaccine opportunities near you. Learn more and sign up here. Assistance is also available over the phone at 833-431-2053.
Middle and High Students Back to the Classroom
Governor Walz announced a plan to have all middle and high schools offer in-person learning by March 8. The direct engagement students have with their teachers and peers is critical toward both their academic achievement and their development into young adults. This plan is possible thanks to the precautions we have all taken to slow the spread, and progress we’ve made to get folks vaccinated.
Having students back in the classroom is only one step toward rebounding from the pandemic. We must also work together to address learning loss over the past year, invest in critical wrap-around supports, and deliver necessary funding for school districts.
Stay in Touch
Please feel free to reach out to me by email at rep.jessica.hanson@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-4212. 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, you can also follow my Facebook here. It’s an honor to represent our community. Please stay in touch and stay safe.
Sincerely,
Rep. Jess Hanson, District 56A
421 State Office Building
St. Paul, MN 55155