Dear Neighbors,

Yesterday, Governor Walz announced the timeline to end COVID-19 restrictions. The timeline includes three steps, starting today, with some more capacity changes coming on May 28, and concluding with the end of the statewide mask requirement once 70% of Minnesotans aged 16 years and older get their vaccine, or by July 1, whichever comes first. The Safe Learning Plan for schools will continue until the end of the school year to protect students, teachers, and staff in schools. Other protections will remain, including the eviction moratorium, a ban on price gouging, and eligibility exemptions for people who receive state services.

Frogtown Vaccine Clinic

Sixty percent of Minnesotans aged 16 or older have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and on Wednesday, we surpassed two million Minnesotans receiving the full series of vaccine. This is good progress, but numbers have slipped a bit as of late. To defeat this pandemic once and for all, having the maximum amount of Minnesotans vaccinated will make the biggest impact.

Tomorrow, Saturday, May 8 from 9am-5pm, the Frogtown Community Center (230 Como Ave) will host a free COVID-19 vaccine clinic. The event is open to everyone age 16 or older and as always, the vaccine is free. Walk-ins are welcome, but you can schedule an appointment here if you’d like.

There are many myths and misinformation out there about the vaccine. While there may be some minor side effects after getting the shot, the COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective. If you or someone you know is hesitant, please check out this information from the CDC.

State Budget

The constitutional deadline for the legislature to adjourn for the year is Monday, May 17. As we quickly approach that day, joint House/Senate conference committees are currently working to reach a compromise on a new two-year state budget.

I’m proud of the budget approach DFLers took in the House, working to prioritize those who have been impacted the worst over the past year. COVID-19’s hardships haven’t been equal, and while the richest and large corporations are doing better than ever, workers, families, students, and small businesses have struggled, especially those from Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color. Minnesota is a state of abundance, and by investing in the things we all value like education, health care, and economic security, we all have a brighter future.

I encourage you to follow along with this important work. Every day, House Public Information Services has nonpartisan informative resources including Session Daily and streaming video of committee meetings and floor sessions. Of course, I also invite you to contact me directly with your own input on the state budget.

Advancing Police Accountability Reforms

In recent years, we’ve witnessed the tragedies of Philando Castile, George Floyd, and Daunte Wright, and it’s time to end the cycle of Black Minnesotans being killed by law enforcement. The House’s Public Safety and Judiciary budget legislation contains important measures to protect the human dignity and human rights of all Minnesotans. Reforms we’re working to advance include enhanced civilian oversight, preventing unnecessary traffic stops, and identifying misconduct to keep bad officers off the streets.

As we approach the end of the legislative session, House DFLers and Governor Walz are committed to taking a community-centered approach and enacting these meaningful, overdue reforms to give Minnesotans the type of public safety they’re asking for. Meanwhile, the Senate – controlled by Republicans – has stood by a status quo system that has failed BIPOC people too often. Minnesotans are demanding change, and we will keep working to deliver them to strengthen safety and build trust within communities.

REAL ID

The federal government has recently announced the deadline to obtain a REAL ID has been extended from this coming October to May 3, 2023. This additional 18 months will help relieve some of the pressure on our local Driver and Vehicle Services offices, which have been overwhelmed with requests to renew expired driver's licenses and vehicle registration tabs, and give Minnesotans more time to obtain this updated form of identification.

After May 3, 2023, Minnesotans will need a REAL ID to board domestic flights or enter federal facilities. An enhanced driver's license or ID card, passport, or passport card are acceptable substitutes.

Please feel free to reach out 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