Dear Neighbors,

Yesterday, we celebrated the beginning of a new chapter with the swearing-in of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Following a difficult period for our country, the inauguration is the culmination of the peaceful transition of power. Despite the attacks we’ve witnessed on our democracy, yesterday’s activities showed it will always prevail. This passage from “the Hill We Climb,” a poem delivered by Amanda Gorman during the inaugural ceremony, should inspire us all for the difficult, but critically imperative path forward for our nation, together:

We've seen a force that would shatter our nation rather than share it,

Would destroy our country if it meant delaying democracy.

And this effort very nearly succeeded.

But while democracy can be periodically delayed,

It can never be permanently defeated.

In this truth, in this faith, we trust.

For while we have our eyes on the future,

history has its eyes on us.

Legislative Priorities

While we’re hopeful that we’re nearing the end of this pandemic, COVID-19 continues to threaten our families and communities. Last week, the House DFL announced our session priorities, focused on responding to the needs of Minnesotans, helping them weather this pandemic and ensuring they can thrive after it ends. This legislative package focuses on economic security, worker protections, health care and human services, education, and child care. It doesn’t represent everything we seek to accomplish this session, but are some urgent steps we should take right now to help Minnesotans bounce back. You can read more about this agenda here and watch our press conference announcing these important initiatives here.

Smart Growth America Equity Summit

Next Thursday at 11:30 a.m., I'm participating in a panel discussion relevant to our community: "The role of government in undoing the harm caused by the Interstate Highway System." Interstate 94 was paved right through the heart of our Rondo neighborhood and we know all too well the pain that resulted for our community.

The panel is part of Smart Growth America’s Equity Summit, scheduled from Tuesday, January 26th through Thursday, January 28th. The goal is to help communities and state governments improve racial equity in smart growth work. Participants will discuss how to promote equity in housing and land use, why strong Black & brown businesses are key to neighborhood vitality, and how to right the wrongs of past damaging transportation decisions and promote restorative justice.

All three days of the conference are free. Learn more and register here.

COVID-19 Vaccine Update

Last week, the Minnesota Department of Health and Minnesota IT Services launched a new dashboard to detail the progress of the COVID-19 vaccine distribution across Minnesota, which is occurring in phases. The dashboard includes the number of vaccine doses allocated to the state by the federal government, the number shipped to Minnesota providers, and the number ultimately administered to Minnesotans. The dashboard will be updated daily at 11 a.m.

Tuesday, the state launched a new vaccine pilot project to help us learn how to best distribute vaccines to Minnesotans through a community strategy. The pilot project – located at nine sites across the state – will initially serve adults 65 years of age or older, as well as prekindergarten through grade 12 educators, school staff, and child care workers. Appointments are required to receive a shot. Minnesotans age 65 and older can make appointments by visiting mn.gov/vaccine or by calling 612-426-7230. Available appointments will refresh every Tuesday at noon. More information on scheduling can be found at Find My Vaccine.

Right now, the vaccine supply is extremely limited, so patience is encouraged. We hope the new administration will help distribute the vaccine to states in greater quantities soon so we can quickly begin vaccinating more groups of people.

Please feel free to reach out throughout the session to share your feedback, offer your ideas, or let me know if I can be of help. It’s an honor to represent you.

Sincerely,

Rena Moran
State Representative