Legislative Update: Vaccine Connector & New School Guidance

Dear Neighbors,

A big thank you to Mayor Carlson for inviting me to speak at "Meet Excelsior" before their council meeting this week. I enjoyed the opportunity to engage with city leaders and residents about what’s happening at the Capitol and how we can help meet the needs of Excelsior at the state level. I'm excited to see The Commons project get underway! Carrying the legislation to enact the sales tax that helped make it possible was an honor. The project is a great example of Minnesota’s proud tradition of constructive public-private partnerships.

Yesterday, Governor Walz announced that a new tool is available to help Minnesotans find out when, where, and how to get their COVID-19 vaccine. The COVID-19 Vaccine Connector will let you know when you’re eligible to receive a vaccine, connect you to resources to schedule a vaccine appointment, and notify you if there are vaccine opportunities in your area. Signing up for the Vaccine Connector is free and easy, and you don’t need insurance or identification. You can sign up and learn more here. People unable to sign up online can have family or friends help them sign up online, or call 833-431-2053 for assistance signing up over the phone.

As of today, 728,081 Minnesotans have received their first dose of the vaccine. You can track these numbers, which are updated daily at 11:00 a.m., on the COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard.

Addressing Skyrocketing Prescription Drug Prices

Many Minnesotans are struggling to afford the prescriptions they need to survive and thrive. We know drugs don’t work if people can’t access them because they can’t afford them. This week, I announced my legislation to establish a Prescription Drug Affordability Board, which is a key tool we could use to address the skyrocketing pricing of prescription medications. I'm pleased to share the bill has bipartisan support and is moving through the committee process. The legislation passed out of the Commerce Committee and is headed to the Health Finance and Policy Committee next week. You can read more from the StarTribune’s coverage of my legislation here.

Updated School Guidance

This week, Governor Walz announced new school guidance for middle and high schoolers. As hospitalizations and new COVID-19 cases decline and Minnesota makes progress vaccinating educators, the Minnesota Safe Learning Plan will allow more middle and high school students to return to the classroom beginning on February 22. The governor expects all schools to offer their students some form of in-person learning by March 8.

Community Spotlight

Mound-Westonka High School students recently organized a drive to collect 3,000+ stuffed animals to spread some joy to children in need. Read more about their incredible efforts from Kare11’s coverage here.

Keep in Touch

Please continue to contact me anytime with input, questions, or to let me know how I can be of assistance at rep.kelly.morrison@house.mn or 651-296-4315.

It’s an honor to serve our 33B residents and families in the Minnesota House.

Have a nice weekend.

Take care,

Kelly