Dear Neighbors,
Today, we pause to recognize those who’ve worn the uniform of the United States of America with our observance of Veterans Day. We all recognize there is much more to do to ensure veterans have access to education and career training, quality health care, and a place to call home. Thank you to everyone who has bravely served our nation in advancement of our freedoms.
Deer Hunting
I hope everyone is having a safe and successful deer hunting season. The DNR has a plethora of helpful resources as you prepare to head outside, as well as some changes this year, including those related to Chronic Wasting Disease. CWD – a neurological condition affecting the cervid population – unfortunately continues to spread across Minnesota. To protect our wild white-tailed deer population from this fatal disease, and protect our cherished outdoor traditions for generations to come, please be aware of these guidelines.
No matter how many years we’ve hunted, it’s also a good idea for everyone to take a minute to brush up on gun safety. Thanks to the DNR for offering youth firearms safety certification online this year!
U.S., E.U. Reach Tariff Agreement
The U.S. and the European Union have reached an agreement to rollback steel tariffs by creating a new section 232 measure that will strengthen American steelmaking. The quotas will limit steel imports from the E.U., requiring steel products to be entirely produced in the E.U., which will help us work with our allies across the Atlantic to stop the predatory importation of cheap steel products from China. This new arrangement represents a win-win situation that will create jobs, boost the competitiveness of American manufacturing, and help battle climate change. The agreement will help advance techniques like hot briquetted iron, which Cleveland Cliffs is utilizing, and is 70% less carbon intensive than some other methods.
While historically tariff rollbacks have been problematic for our region, this agreement strikes a balance we can all benefit from. The USW and companies like Cliffs strongly support the new agreement, and I’m excited to see the next generation of mining and steelmaking continue to develop.
Redistricting
As I mentioned in my last update, the House Redistricting Committee, on which I serve, has been laying the groundwork to draw new congressional and legislative maps, required every 10 years following the U.S. Census. We’re committed to ensuring new maps are fair and to the extent possible, keep communities together. We’ve heard input from interested Minnesotans across the state, and recently took our first action by approving a series of principles to guide our work.
In the coming months, lawmakers will work to develop maps that can earn approval from the House, Senate, and Governor. In the event we can’t reach an agreement, the Minnesota Supreme Court has appointed a special judicial panel to enact new boundaries.
COVID-19 Vaccine Update
As you’ve likely heard, COVID-19 booster shots are now available for Minnesotans who previously received any of the approved COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson). Everyone age 18 and older who got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine should get a booster shot at least 2 months after their first dose. Minnesotans who got the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine can get a booster shot at least 6 months after their second dose of vaccine, and the CDC has authorized “mixing and matching” of boosters. You’re eligible for a booster if you’re 65 or older, reside in a long-term care setting, have an underlying health condition categorized as high-risk by the CDC, or work in a high-risk setting. Visit the Minnesota Vaccine Locator for a location to receive either your booster or initial vaccine series.
Vaccine availability has also recently expanded for youth. To encourage those age 12-17 to get vaccinated, the “Kids Deserve a Shot” incentive program offers a $200 Visa gift card for 12-17-year-olds who start and complete their vaccine series between October 18 and November 30. Additionally, there will be five drawings for $100,000 Minnesota college scholarships for any 12-17-year-olds in Minnesota with a complete vaccine series. Learn more here.
The CDC has also now recommended the COVID-19 vaccine for children age 5-11, approving a version from Pfizer. This is a significant development in our efforts to stop community transmission of the virus. Vaccines for children will only be available with parental permission. More information is available here.
Please continue to contact me with your input, ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance. It’s an honor to represent you.
Together,
Julie Sandstede
State Representative