Neighbors and Friends,
I hope you enjoyed your holiday week. The legislature is back in session from the break, and the full House of Representatives is beginning to debate major supplemental budget bills, focusing on family budgets.
Monday, the supplemental Housing Budget will be before the full House. The bill, of which I am the author, is a result of housing advocates working with lawmakers to address some of the most persistent housing issues across the state. The legislation aims to secure housing, prevent homelessness, make homes available and help Minnesotans afford where they live.
Affordable housing is a fundamental need, and our Housing budget makes wide-ranging investments throughout Minnesota. This transformational legislation addresses the most persistent housing costs and helps those in perilous housing situations achieve a safe place to live, having impacts now and in the future.
After passage on Monday, the bill will shift to conference committee negotiations with the Republican-controlled Senate on a final bill to be signed by the governor. You can read more here and you can watch committee action on the House of Representatives’ YouTube Channel.
Governor’s State of the State Address
Governor Walz will deliver his 4th State of the State address in the House of Representatives chamber on Sunday, April 24th at 6 p.m. You can watch the governor’s address live here.
Avian Influenza Update
The Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI/H5N1) continues to show up in various Minnesota locations. The legislature approved – and Gov. Walz signed into law – a $1 million appropriation to be used for testing supplies, emergency response activities and disease surveillance.
There are actions the public can do to help limit the spread of the virus. The Raptor Center in St. Paul recommends removing bird feeders for now. Keep a lookout for any deceased birds or those in need of help – don’t touch the bird, but rather call the DNR, Raptor Center, or a new HPAI hotline at 1-833-454-0156.first for next steps.
For those who raise backyard chickens, keep the birds enclosed and separated from wildlife. Place mesh or tarps on the outside of the coop.
The virus has not caused human illness. According to the CDC, recent bird flu infections in U.S. wild birds and poultry pose a low risk to the public. You can read more from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture or the Board of Animal Health.
Women in Politics
The Minnesota Women’s Press invited me to participate in the Women in Politics Series about my decision not to seek reelection this year and passing the torch to the next generation of political leaders. Joining me in the conversation is Rep. Rena Moran of St. Paul and Sen. Patricia Torres Ray of Minneapolis. You can watch the interviews here.
COVID-19 Update
The FDA has authorized a second booster shot for Americans over 50 and for those 12 years and older who are immunocompromised. You can read more from the U of M Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) recommendations here.
Minnesota households are now eligible to receive two test kits (for a total of four tests) per home through the mail at mn.gov/covid19. You can also order free rapid at-home tests from the federal government at CovidTests.gov.
If you have symptoms, have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, after traveling, or if you’ve attended a high-risk event, get tested to slow the spread of COVID-19.
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Staying Connected
You can watch legislative sessions and committee hearings by going to this link on the Minnesota House of Representatives website.
The Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services also offers nonpartisan recaps of high-profile bills, committee hearings, and floor sessions with their Session Daily publication. Subscribe to receive these here. To track bills of interest through the legislative process, you can utilize the MyBills feature on the Minnesota House of Representatives’ website.
I welcome your questions and comments anytime. You can call me at (651) 296-3824 or email me at rep.alice.hausman@house.mn.
Thank you for the privilege of representing you in the legislature.
Sincerely,
Alice