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Neighbors and Friends,
The lack of available affordable housing continues to be a persistent concern throughout the state. On Tuesday, the Housing Finance and Policy Committee, which I chair, held a hearing on HF443 - a bill to appropriate money for loans or grants to preserve Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (NOAH). The testimony we heard made it clear we have more work to do to protect existing housing in addition to investing in other housing for those in need. You can watch the hearing here.
Minnesota Public Radio broadcast a news story about the bipartisan effort to attain affordable housing throughout the state. You can listen here.
New Tool to Connect All Minnesotans to COVID-19 Vaccines
A new tool is now available to help all Minnesotans learn how to get their COVID-19 vaccine. The Vaccine Connector is the next step in the state’s vaccination strategy to link Minnesotans to vaccine opportunities, no matter where they live or their personal circumstances.
Minnesotans unable to sign up online can call 833-431-2053 to sign up over the phone. A translation hotline can also be called at 833-431-2053 to sign up over the phone.
When a Minnesotan becomes eligible to receive a vaccine under state guidelines, the Vaccine Connector will alert them of their eligibility, connect them to resources to schedule an appointment, and notify them if there are vaccination opportunities in their area.
Vaccine demands still far exceed supply. Every Minnesotan will have an opportunity to get vaccinated as more vaccine arrives in the weeks and months ahead. It will just take time and the Vaccine Connector is another tool Minnesotans can use to be prepared.
Kids back in the Classroom
This week, Governor Walz announced an updated plan to return more children to the classroom. Many of our younger students are already back in school and starting February 22, middle and high schools can begin welcoming students back for hybrid or in-person learning. By March 8, all schools will offer some type of in-person learning.
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