Dear Neighbors,

At the Capitol, we’re continuing to work on reaching an agreement for a new state budget in the legislative session’s final days. We’re constitutionally required to adjourn by Monday, May 17. The House DFL has thoughtfully assembled a state budget package aimed at helping workers, small businesses, students, and families emerge from the pandemic with the ability to succeed and thrive. The last year has been remarkably difficult for Minnesotans, and we have a responsibility to prioritize those who have been impacted the worst.

Conference Committees

The bulk of the work to reach a budget compromise is taking place in joint House/Senate conference committees, as legislators are working through differences between each chamber’s budget proposals. For my part, I’m serving on the Health and Human Services conference committee. House DFLers put forth a robust proposal to help improve people’s lives and ensure they can have a stronger, healthier future. Our budget contains important ideas to lower prescription drug prices, eliminate health inequities, expand coverage for low-income Minnesotans and more. COVID-19 has shown how much we count on public health in our communities, and we’re investing in strengthening these systems we count on.

I encourage you to follow along with our work. House Public Information Services produces Session Daily with nonpartisan recaps of legislative activity, and streaming video of all committee hearings and floor sessions is available produced by the House and Senate. A list of all conference committees is available here.

Get Vaccinated: COVID Restrictions Winding Down

Yesterday, Governor Walz announced a timeline to wind down COVID-19 restrictions, with a three-step process starting today and concluding on July 1, or when we’ve reached a 70% vaccination rate, whichever comes first. Minnesotans have had to make many sacrifices over the past year, and with summer around the corner, this announcement recognizes the progress we’ve made in overcoming this pandemic – together.

Children aren’t yet eligible for the vaccine, so 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.

While we’re all looking forward to getting back to normal, it’s important to note that the threat of COVID-19 remains. Just as noteworthy as the relaxed restrictions was Governor Walz’s call for Minnesotans to get vaccinated. Ensuring as many Minnesotans receive the vaccine as possible – as quickly as possible – will help us put the pandemic behind us sooner. We’ve now had 60% of Minnesotans receiving at least one dose, with over two million completing the series of vaccines. Let’s keep the momentum going. The Minnesota Vaccine Connector can put you in touch with opportunities to get a shot.

REAL ID Deadline Extended

The federal government recently announced that the deadline to obtain a REAL ID for air travel will be extended from this coming October to May 3, 2023. With many Driver and Vehicle Services offices overwhelmed during the pandemic, this will help alleviate pressure from a last-minute rush and instead allow offices to focus on tab and regular drivers license renewals.

While the deadline is about two years away, if you need a REAL ID for air travel, it’s a good idea to make plans to get one soon. There are several fairly specific documents you need when you apply, and more information about the process is available here.

Please continue to stay in touch with your viewpoints, ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance. Thank you for the honor to work as your public servant.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Sincerely,

Jen Schultz
State Representative