Legislative Update - Vaccine Eligibility

Dear Neighbors, 

I want to start by sharing a message of unity and healing as our nation still recovers in the wake of the latest attack on Asian Americans. Throughout this pandemic, hate has been directed at our neighbors of Asian descent, exacerbated by xenophobic comments from too many leaders who should be bringing us together rather than deepening fear and division. My colleague, Rep. Tou Xiong, chair of the Minnesota Asian Pacific Caucus, spoke on this week’s shootings in Atlanta, which you can watch below.

Vaccine Eligibility Increases

Minnesota had the goal of vaccinating 70% of those 65 and older by the end of March - a goal we hit last week! This milestone is thanks in large part to the new, single dose version of the vaccine, as well as the commitment of those eligible in our community to step up and get the vaccine to protect themselves and their neighbors. Now, more Minnesotans are now able to make appointments to receive their COVID-19 vaccine.

Minnesotans who are now eligible to receive a vaccine include the following:

• People with certain underlying conditions, including sickle cell disease, Down Syndrome, and oxygen-dependent chronic lung or heart conditions, and those who are in active cancer treatment or immunocompromised from organ transplant
• People with rare conditions or disabilities that put them at higher risk
• Food processing plant workers

These groups will receive priority, but providers may offer available appointments to others who are eligible, including Minnesotans from the next tier:

• People 45 or older with one or more of the underlying medical conditions identified by the CDC
• People 16 or older with two or more of the underlying conditions
• People 50 or older in multi-generational housing
• Essential frontline workers, including airport staff, child care workers who weren’t previously eligible, first responders, judicial system workers, public health workers, U.S. Postal Service workers, and those who work in agriculture; correctional settings; food production, retail, or service; manufacturing, and public transit.

If you haven’t yet, I’d encourage you to sign up for the COVID-19 Vaccine Connector to get regular updates on vaccine availability and eligibility. In some cases, your employer will have more information on vaccine availability, and it’s a good idea to be in touch with your health care provider too. Vaccine supplies from the federal government are increasing, and this progress represents one more step towards the end of the pandemic.

Better Roads and Bridges

Thank you to Montgomery City Administrator, Brian Heck, for joining me in the House Transportation Committee this week to testify on my legislation that would provide funding for roads and bridges for Minnesota’s smaller cities and townships - like Montgomery. Montgomery residents regularly name improving their roads as a top issue.

Cities with populations under 5000 receive no funding from the current Highway User Tax Distribution Fund. We all pay in through gas taxes, but if you live in these smaller communities, you don’t get funding back to help with your roads. My legislation would ensure these overlooked cities and townships receive proper funding so that safe, dependable roads and bridges are prevalent throughout Minnesota. 

Minnesota’s Insulin Safety Net

Last year, I was proud to support the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability, which established our state’s insulin safety net program that took effect last July. Since then, over 465 Minnesotans have been able to use this program when they were faced with financial difficulty in affording their life-saving medication, totaling a value of $2,148,564.74 in insulin being provided. While this is good news, we know there are more diabetics in Minnesota that could use this important program. 

Had the program been previously available, it would have saved the life of Alec Smith. In his memory, we passed his bill into law and now hope that never again will a Minnesotan die because they can’t afford the insulin they need to live. If you or anyone you know is in urgent need of a 30-day or long-term supply of affordable insulin, please visit MNinsulin.org where you can see if you qualify, download the application, and learn how to apply today. 

Stay Connected

We’re about halfway through our work at the Minnesota Legislature, and as we begin the process of putting together our state budget, I want to hear from you. If you have a moment, please consider taking this brief survey on the topics we’re discussing in St. Paul. One note, there is a question that mentions our previously projected budget shortfall; this has since been updated to a $1.6 billion positive fund balance.

To stay up to date, you can also visit my legislative page for the latest on my work and how to contact me. I also invite you to “like” and follow my official Facebook page and Twitter. The best way to reach out to me with any questions or comments is by email at rep.todd.lippert@house.mn, or by calling me at (651) 296-0171. Also, please feel free to share and subscribe to these legislative updates, which you can do here. I look forward to hearing from you. 

Sincerely,

Todd Lippert