Dear Friends,
Five Days Left
We're reaching the final stretch of the 2013 legislative session. While Democrats focus on 'having their dessert' -- passing minimum wage increases, new costly renewable energy standards, pursuing unwanted legislation to unionize childcare workers, and redefining marriage – Minnesotans still have yet to see any of the significant budget bills that will make up the 2014-2015 biennium budget, set to be the largest in state history.
This is not transparent, and the people of Minnesota deserve better. We have had all session to work on the budget, and it's frankly unacceptable that we're waiting until the very end, especially given that Democrats control all areas of state government.
Immunization Public Hearing
The Minnesota Department of Health is proposing to make changes to state school immunization rules. The proposed changes would apply to children in pre-K-12, and would:
-
Require Hepatitis A and B vaccinations for children enrolling in child care or school-based childhood programs.
-
Replace the current tetanus shot with a vaccine that also includes pertussis.
-
Requires secondary students to have a vaccine against meningitis in seventh grade.
I have spoke to some parents who are concerned about the issue of immunization. I wanted to let you know that if you are interested, the Department of Health is having a public hearing at 4:30 on Friday, May 31st if 25 or more people submit a written request for a hearing.
Information on how to request a hearing, or to submit comments on the rules can be found by visiting this website: http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/immunize/immrule/public.html
Have a great rest of your week,
Glenn