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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Sondra Erickson (R)

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Legislative Update from Rep. Sondra Erickson

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

Dear Neighbors,

I invite you to join me Saturday, January 22, for the annual March for Life. As you know, each year Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life (MCCL) sponsors the March for Life on the anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court decisions Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton, which legalized abortion in the United States.

Those who wish to participate in the rally will assemble in front of the Capitol in St. Paul at 12:30pm for a brief program. However, I am sad to report that the capitol will be closed to the public on that day, so I will not host any kind of refreshments after the event.

I hope to see you there!

U.S. Supreme Court Rulings on Vaccine Mandates

There was good news late last week as the United States Supreme Court struck down President Biden’s unconstitutional vaccine mandate on businesses. They did, however, uphold the mandate for healthcare facilities that receive federal funds.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that OSHA’s vaccine mandate for employers with 100 or more workers would be stayed while the case proceeded in the federal courts. MNOSHA has announced they will suspend enforcement of the mandate at the state level. You can read the majority and dissenting opinions here.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that vaccine mandate for health care facilities could be enforced while the case continues in lower courts. This applies to facilities that receive Medicaid and/or Medicare payments. The federal government has announced first doses must be administered by Jan. 27, 2022 and second doses by Feb. 28, 2022. You can read the opinions on that case here.

National School Choice Week

January 23rd marks the start of National School Choice Week.

What is school choice? School choice is the process of allowing every family to choose the K-12 educational options that best fit their children.

Every child is unique, and all children learn differently. Some children might succeed at the neighborhood public school, while others might fit in better at a charter, magnet, online, private, or home learning environment. That’s why school choice is so important! These options include all forms of education, from traditional public schools, to public charter schoolspublic magnet schoolsprivate schoolsonline academies, and homeschooling.

Every child deserves an effective, challenging, and motivating education. And, because each student has their own unique set of talents, interests, and challenges, having a variety of options in education is crucial. What works well for one child may not work well for another child! In short, school choice ensures that each student can find a learning environment that allows them to be inspired, successful, and happy.

Getting Involved

Precinct caucuses in Minnesota are set for Tuesday, February 1, in locations across the state, so check social media, newspapers, radio, and TV ads to find how you can get involved in your area.

Minnesota is organized by BPOUs (basic political units) and the area of east-central Minnesota that I represent is District 15A, so look for that specific announcement. All meetings begin promptly at 7 p.m. and allow time to discuss issues affecting our lives and to elect delegates to the county convention and to the congressional district convention. There is also time to enjoy your friends and neighbors who share your political views.

For helpful, non-partisan information on what caucus is and where your location is, follow this link to the Secretary of State’s website: https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/how-elections-work/precinct-caucuses/

Whether you caucus with the DFL, GOP, or another political party, it is important that you are involved in the process!

Staying in Touch

Please be sure to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-6746 or via email at rep.sondra.erickson@house.mn.

Have a good day,

Sondra