Legislative Update- October 7, 2021

Dear Neighbors, 

I hope this finds you well and enjoying our gorgeous fall season in Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources charts out a daily Fall Color Finder so you can find the best places the leaves are peaking. It’s also a great way to explore our state parks and trails while taking in the changing colors.

Pfizer Booster Shots Available for Eligible Minnesotans 

According to the latest guidance from the CDC, you’re eligible to get a booster shot if you received the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at least six months ago and: 

• Are 65 years old or older,
• Reside in a long-term care setting,
• Have an underlying health condition categorized as high-risk by the CDC, and/or
• Work in a high-risk setting.

There are plenty of ways to get the booster shot if you’re eligible. Free vaccines are available at pharmacies, health care providers, community clinics, and more. You can use the state’s Vaccine Locator to schedule your booster or begin your initial vaccine series.

Booster shots aren’t yet authorized for people who received the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine.  

Minnesotans are also encouraged to get a flu shot this year. Our health care system and health care workers have been pushed to their limits. If COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue rising, a serious influenza season could be dangerous. Getting a flu shot is a step we can take to protect each other and help preserve hospital capacity and infrastructure.

Energy Assistance Available

Although our mild fall temperatures have been above average, winter weather is just around the corner, and no Minnesotan deserves to be left out in the cold. On October 1, Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule (CWR) took effect. This is two weeks earlier than prior years due to a new law I was pleased to help pass last session. The CWR protects people from electricity and natural gas shutoffs during the coldest period of the year. If you’re behind on energy bills, the CWR allows you to enter a payment plan with your natural gas or electric provider. Check out the Public Utilities Commission website for more information.

Minnesota’s Energy Assistance Program helps families pay for current and past-due bills for electricity, gas, oil, biofuel and propane, emergency fuel delivery, and repair/replacement of homeowners’ broken heating systems. Starting this year, the program has been expanded to include water and sewer bills. Over $130 million in federal funding has been made available for this program with over 600,000 households eligible. More information is available from the Minnesota Department of Commerce.

Community Highlight

Check out this uplifting story highlighting the incredible act of kindness in community service from Coon Rapids’ very own Mary Kallinen. Ms. Kallinen, with the help of volunteers, has written 10,000 thank you letters and stories to veterans, active military members, EMTs, and many others. We’re fortunate to live among such caring people in our community.

Photo Courtesy: ABC Newspapers, provided by Mary Kallinen.

Minnesota Values Project Survey

The pandemic’s impact on our state has created significant challenges for our families, schools, businesses, and communities. My colleagues and I are asking Minnesotans to share their stories-their hopes, aspirations, and input- to help guide our work at the Capitol and create a better post-pandemic future for everyone. The Minnesota Values Project is the initiative we have started to gain direct feedback from Minnesotans. It’s critical to have Coon Rapids and Champlin voices represented. You’re invited to fill out this short, 4-question Minnesota Values Project Survey. I appreciate your involvement.

Keep in Touch

Please continue to reach out anytime if you need assistance or have questions at rep.zack.stephenson@house.mn or 651-296-5513.

It’s an honor to represent out Coon Rapids and Champlin families in St. Paul.

Zack Stephenson 

Minnesota House of Representatives | District 36A