Skip to main content Skip to office menu Skip to footer
Capital IconMinnesota Legislature

Legislative News and Views - Rep. Sandra Masin (DFL)

Back to profile

Reducing Everyday Costs

Friday, April 8, 2022

Dear Neighbors,

This week is the end of our House deadlines where we have to pass bills through certain committees if we want them to have a chance of becoming law this year.  In order to meet the final deadline, we have been really busy in our various committees hearing important budget bills. After this week the Legislature will be in recess for the next week as we prepare for the final stretch of session. I hope you all have the opportunity to celebrate the various religious holidays that are being observed over the month!

Here are some updates from the Capitol:

Reducing Costs 

I've heard from many of you about how difficult it has been to make ends meet lately. My DFL colleagues and I have heard from you loud and clear and are focused on reducing costs for the average Minnesotan. Here is our plan to help you out:

Reduce Costs

Avian Influenza

There is a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) spreading through bird populations across the nation. Most confirmed cases of HPAI have been in backyard flocks. Highly pathogenic avian influenza is a reportable disease. If your flock has sudden, high death rates or many birds with signs of HPAI, contact your veterinarian or the Minnesota Board of Animal Health, at 651-296-2942, right away. Learn more here.

Birb Flu

New COVID-19 Testing Approach

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. Minnesota has secured 500,000 test kits (for a total of 1 million at-home tests) and the program will be available until all the test kits are ordered.

Through the federal government, Minnesotans can order free rapid at-home tests at CovidTests.gov. Food banks, local public health agencies, community groups, and other community health organizations may also have free tests available. Due to actions taken by the Biden Administration, costs for over-the-counter at-home COVID-19 tests are now required to be covered by health insurance plans.

With the lessons we’ve learned over the last two years, Minnesota is well-positioned to respond effectively if case counts tick upward again. While we all hope to avoid another wave, testing continues to be important for preventing the spread of the virus. Getting a test is still recommended if you:

  • have symptoms of the virus.
  • have had close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.
  • are returning from international or domestic travel.
  • attended a high-risk event.
  • work in a setting that has regular, close contact with many people.

Stay in Touch
Please feel free to reach out to me by email at rep.sandra.masin@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-3533. If you have a friend, neighbor, or relative who wants to receive updates about the Legislature, let them know they can subscribe to my email list here. You can also follow me on Facebook here. It’s an honor to represent our community. Please stay in touch.

Sincerely,

Sandra Masin
State Representative

Recent News for Rep. Sandra Masin