Dear Neighbors, My heart is heavy this week as the situation in Afghanistan evolves. My thoughts are with the people who are trying to leave the country and all of those living in fear and uncertainty, as well as the Americans and our allies who served and sacrificed in Afghanistan over the last two decades. In this turbulent moment, the federal government must do everything possible to evacuate Americans and our Afghan allies and to support the Afghan people, especially women and girls. Closer to home, I had several opportunities to spend time with folks in the district this week. It feels good to connect with neighbors in-person outside after months of meeting remotely.  I joined Field, Regina, and Northrup community members for an afternoon picnic on Sunday. There was music, food, and discussion about working together to care for our kids, our neighborhoods, our communities, and our planet.  On Tuesday, I stopped by the Nokomis East Neighborhood Association meeting and had some great conversations with our neighbors who volunteer their time to make our communities stronger. Redistricting BeginsIt’s officially time to start the redistricting process that happens once every ten years. As a member of the House Redistricting Committee, I’m excited to contribute to this important work. I’ll be working with legislators from both sides of the aisle to redraw Minnesota’s political maps. Our goal is to make sure the new maps are fair and reflect the geographic, racial, ethnic, and economic diversity of Minnesota. Redistricting happens every decade after the U.S. Census is conducted. Legislators use the latest Census data to draw political maps that reflect how the population in Minnesota has changed. That means redrawing the boundaries of Minnesota’s eight congressional districts, 67 state senate districts, and 134 state house districts. At the end of the process, each one should contain approximately the same amount of people as other districts of its kind. I’m working to ensure there are plenty of opportunities for Minnesotans to get involved and weigh in throughout the redistricting process. If you’re interested in this work, I encourage you to watch the Redistricting Committee hearing this afternoon. We’re going to discuss redistricting principles, new Census data, legislation relating to redistricting principles (including one of my bills), and more. Whether you’re familiar with redistricting or not, you’ll probably learn something new. You can watch the hearing live from 1 to 4 p.m. or view it later on House Public Information Services’ YouTube channel. In the coming weeks, we’ll be hearing from folks from every corner of the state. Residents of the 5th Congressional District are encouraged to testify next Wednesday, August 25 from 2 to 5 p.m. You can find more information on the committee’s website. Get Vaccinated, Get $100 More than 55,000 Minnesotans have taken advantage of a new reward program that offers $100 Visa gift cards to people who get the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Due to high demand, this program was extended through August 22. If you get a shot by then, you can claim your reward at mn.gov/covid19/100. The state’s Vaccine Connector and Vaccine Locator Map can help you find a provider nearby. The number of first doses administered in Minnesota each week has increased 129 percent over the last month. Let’s keep it going! Please continue sharing your questions, ideas, and feedback! If you have family, friends, or neighbors who might find these updates valuable, feel free to share this email and let them know they can subscribe here. Sincerely, Emma |