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Dear Neighbors,
I hope this finds you well.
The Minnesota Legislature kicked off the 2021 session on Tuesday last week and I was honored to have been sworn in for my second term representing House District 52B. There is so much work to do to get us on the road to recovery post-pandemic, and I am thankful to the residents of our community for trusting me to find common ground on COVID-19 relief measures our families need now, and to continue delivering on our shared values as Minnesotans.
I’ve been appointed to chair the House Education Policy Committee this biennium. In addition to this new role, I’ll be serving on the following committees: Education Finance, Commerce Finance and Policy; and Transportation Finance and Policy. All these assignments reflect important priorities that have been identified by Inver Grove Heights, Eagan, Mendota Heights, and Sunfish Lake neighborhoods of 52B: ensuring our kids have equitable access to a quality education; our small businesses can thrive; and our transportation system is well equipped for the 21st century now and post-COVID-19.
Vaccine Distribution Update
As I’m sure you’ve read or seen in the news, Minnesota received its first limited shipment of the COVID-19 vaccine in early December last year. Because the initial supply is limited, it will be delivered in phases to priority groups. The first phase – those in Group 1A – includes health care personnel and long-term care residents. Within this phase are sub-prioritization groups. Group 1B covers essential workers, including sectors like education, food and agriculture, utilities, police, firefighters, corrections officers, and transportation. Group 1C will include those 65 or older and those with underlying health conditions. In Phase 2, the vaccine will be distributed more broadly.
I’m pleased to share that in just over six weeks, approximately 132,000 Minnesotans has had the first dose of the vaccine. Over one thousand health care workers and long-term care residents within Dakota County are included in those numbers.
It’s critically important that vaccine distribution and administration is swift and efficient, which is why I was glad to see the governor request last week for an expedited shipment of additional COVID-19 vaccines. The federal government currently has upwards of 50% of currently produced vaccines held back by the administration for reasons unknown. You can read the request here.
Although vaccine administration has begun, it’s likely it won’t become widely available for all until spring. In the meantime, it’s important that we continue following the public health guidelines that have kept our communities safe - social distancing, hand washing, wearing a mask, and getting tested when we feel sick.
Keep in Touch
Please reach out anytime at rep.ruth.richardson@house.mn or 651-296-4192 with questions or input. I’m always grateful for the opportunity to provide assistance.
Thank you for the honor to serve!
Sincerely,
Ruth Richardson
State Representative
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