Dear Neighbors,

I hope this message finds you and your family safe and healthy. Right now, nothing is more important than protecting the health of those in our community and across our state. Please continue to do your part by washing your hands frequently, avoiding social gatherings, practicing social distancing, wearing a mask around others, and getting tested if you have symptoms or if you’ve been around someone with COVID-19. There are plenty of testing options available, including free saliva testing daily at Roy Wilkins Auditorium, and you can order a saliva testing kit to your home for free.

Here’s an update from the Capitol.

Ways and Means Committee

When the House convenes in January, I’ll have the honor of chairing the House Ways and Means Committee. My goal in chairing this committee – which has broad jurisdiction over state budget matters – will be to ensure our budget is a true reflection of our values, and recognizes what Minnesotans need to get through this crisis of COVID-19 and racial injustices. It’s no secret people all over the state are going through challenges as a result of both. No matter how difficult the job will be, I’m looking forward to the work ahead to help Minnesotans emerge stronger.

Economic Assistance Package

Last week, state budget officials released a new, improved economic forecast showing we’re well positioned to deliver critical economic aid for small businesses, workers, and families. House DFLers and Governor Walz recently announced a robust economic assistance package to keep small businesses afloat, support workers struggling to get by, and help Minnesota families keep food on their tables. The plan includes direct aid to small businesses, an eviction moratorium, a 13-week unemployment extension, and emergency $500 payments to struggling families. It also includes grants to restaurants to provide food for healthcare workers, homeless shelters, and long-term care facilities.

On Monday, the Legislature will meet in a special session and I’m hopeful we can come together to deliver this critical economic assistance.

Vaccine Planning

On Tuesday, Governor Walz announced Minnesota’s COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Plan. In partnership with the federal government and local communities, the goal is to quickly, equitably, and safely deliver the vaccine to Minnesotans in every corner of the state. No vaccine has been approved yet, but both Pfizer and Moderna have submitted plans for FDA approval, and others are currently in clinical trials. 

The guidelines were developed following these principles:

• Immunize for impact: Maximize immediate health benefit, reduce death, and minimize the harm created by COVID-19 by starting with those most susceptible to serious complications and those who care for them.
• Equitable distribution and access: Make sure no procedural or structural issues impact access to the vaccine among any particular group or population. And help ensure Minnesotans in every corner and every community know they can trust the process, the safety, and the effectiveness of the vaccine.
• Transparency: Share information as quickly as possible with Minnesotans.

The vaccine, which won’t be mandatory, will be made available in phases due to a limited supply initially. Phase 1A will include health care personnel and long-term care residents. Within this phase are sub-prioritization groups. Essential workers are in group 1B including sectors like education, food and agriculture, utilities, police, firefighters, corrections officers, and transportation. Group 1C will include those 65 or older and those with underlying health conditions. In Phase 2, the vaccine will be distributed more broadly.

Trials of both vaccines show a 95% effective rate, which is an astounding figure considering how quickly it’s been developed. You can watch Governor Walz’s press conference here.

COVID Tracking App

An app is available to help track COVID-19’s spread in our community. The app, COVIDaware MN, will notify you if you’ve been in close contact with someone who has reported testing positive for the virus. Participation is voluntary and anonymous; no personal information is collected, stored, or shared. You can download the app on the Apple App Store or from Google Play.

To share your feedback or if I can be of assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly at rep.rena.moran@house.mn or call me at 651-296-5158. It’s an honor to represent you.

Sincerely,

Rena Moran
State Representative