Dear Neighbors,
Greetings to you from the Capitol! It has been another busy week with constituent visits, floor sessions, committee hearings, and press on important issues. Here are a few important updates.
Prevent Measles Spread
I’m continuing to work with my colleagues, health officials and members of the community to share information on the measles outbreak. With the recent incidence of measles cases among unvaccinated children, we all need to take steps to reduce the spread of this virus.
This week I moved to request that the House suspend the rules to vote on a bill I authored to help increase vaccination education and outreach among specific geographic communities around the state, but House Republicans did not think the measles outbreak was enough of an urgency to require immediate action. You can read more about that floor debate here. My bill (HF 2630) would provide $500,000 this year and next year for outreach and education.
You can join me at a Coffee and Kulan event to discuss these public health issues more in-depth. The event is on May 17 at the Brian Coyle Center from 6-7:30pm. See details here.
Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus. It can lead to hospitalization and in rare cases death. Measles spreads through the air by coughing or sneezing. You can get measles by just being in the same room as someone who has measles.
Symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes, followed by a rash that typically spreads from head to the rest of the body. A person with measles can pass it to others from four days before their rash appears to four days after it appears.
I am sharing information to give your friends and families about steps you can take to get vaccinated and prevent the spread of the measles virus to yourself or others. I’m sharing this information because I want you and your children, and everyone in the community to be healthy. The best thing you can do right now is to make sure everyone who is able to get the MMR vaccine gets it.
For parents concerned about the cost of immunizations, the Minnesota Vaccines for Children Program provides free or low-cost vaccines for eligible children through age 18. More information is available at Can My Child Get Free or Low Cost Shots?
For more information on measles, updates on the outbreak and important contact info you can go to the Minnesota Department of Health website here. You can also find a Measles fact sheet translated in Somali and other languages here.
Making Transit a Priority
On Wednesday, I kicked off a press conference with my DFL colleagues to make it clear that Republican cuts to transit funding are simply unacceptable. The Star Tribune editorial board discussed the importance of transit funding in a recent editorial, and officials from the Met Council have made it clear that the Republican plan for transit would result in reduced bus service and stop light rail expansion that will hold back our entire region. If you or your family depend on transit and would be harmed by reduced service, you should call Rep. Paul Torkelson, the Republican Chair of the Transportation Committee. Tell him how important dependable transit is to our community by calling him at 651-296-9303.
Visitors to the Capitol
“Lovin’ the Skin I’m In” Youth Program stopped by to visit with legislators of the POCI (People of Color and Indigenous) Caucus earlier this week. It was a joy to have them here!
Stay Connected
You can always contact me at rep.ilhan.omar@house.mn or at 651-296-4257. I appreciate hearing from you.
Please follow me on facebook and twitter to stay up to date and receive action alerts.
Sincerely,
Ilhan Omar
State Representative