Neighbors, We all know the first step to a successful life is to be stably housed. I chair the Housing Finance and Policy Committee in the Minnesota House, and our panel is charged with providing all Minnesotans with a safe place to live. I was asked to speak at a rally last week to support the passage of the Build Back Better Act. You can learn more about the national effort to end homelessness by going to the Bring America Home Now page. Read more about the Metropolitan Interfaith Council on Affordable Housing (MICAH) efforts here.  Energy Assistance Program Expands A reminder Minnesota’s Energy Assistance Program (EAP), has expanded, ensuring Minnesotans can stay warm and lights will stay on during our cold months. The Cold Weather Rule also took effect on October 1 and lasts through April 30. Learn more by going to the Department of Commerce website.  State to Administer Moderna, Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Booster Shots To protect all Minnesotans against COVID-19, those who have received their first and second Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or their single Johnson & Johnson dose, can now receive their booster shots. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance, Minnesotans who got the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine can now get a booster at least six months after their initial series if they are: - 65 years and older;
- Age 18 and older and live in long-term care settings;
- Age 18 and older and have underlying medical conditions;
- Age 18 and older and work or live in high-risk settings.
All Minnesotans aged 18 and older who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine are recommended to get a booster shot at least 2 months after their initial vaccine. Officials also authorized 'mixing and matching' COVID-19 vaccine boosters, meaning anybody who is eligible to get a booster shot can get any of the three currently authorized or approved vaccines – Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson – regardless of what product they received for their primary series. Minnesotans can direct questions about mixing and matching doses to their healthcare provider. How Minnesotans can get their free shot: - Use the state’s Vaccine Locator Map to find a vaccine provider near you.
- Check for vaccine appointments at gov, where you can search for appointments by vaccine type (e.g., Pfizer).
- Contact your primary health care provider or a local pharmacy.
- Walk in to one of Minnesota’s COVID-19 Community Vaccination sites.
- Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 Public Hotline
- 1-833-431-2053
- Mon. - Fri., 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. & Sat., 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
It is also very important to get your yearly flu shot, available from your health care provider or local pharmacies. Let’s all do what we can to keep each other safe!  ___________ Staying Connected I welcome your questions and comments anytime. You can call me at (651) 296-3824 or send an email to rep.alice.hausman@house.mn. Thank you for the privilege of representing you in the legislature. Sincerely, Alice |