Happy Thanksgiving!

Dear Neighbors, 

Last week, the House Capital Investment Committee stopped by our district for their statewide tour of infrastructure projects. Their previous visit two years ago resulted in the successful funding of the Manning Avenue Interchange, and we had several new projects to share with them this year.

My fellow House members were able to hear about our community’s need to redevelop the area around the Allen S. King Coal Plant, restore the Washington County Historic Courthouse, and improve Highway 36 and Lake Elmo Avenue - all important and worthy projects for state investment. I look forward to advocating for these projects this upcoming session!

In addition to our efforts to craft a bill investing in infrastructure, more funds will be coming into the state to help build back better thanks to the federal infrastructure bill that was signed into law by President Biden last week. The specifics of where the funds will go still need to be worked out, but generally we know that our state will receive the following:

• $4.5 billion for highways
• $302 million for bridges
• $100 million for broadband internet
• $68 million for electric vehicle charging stations
• $818 million for public transportation
• $680 million for clean water

Vaccines for 5 and Older, Boosters Available for All

We are yet again seeing an unsustainable increase in COVID-19 cases in our state, which is pushing many hospitals toward capacity. This pressure is greatly impacting emergency rooms, and even those who are seeking attention for a condition other than COVID are facing lengthy waits for care. Minnesota Public Radio highlighted the difficulties many hospitals are encountering in delivering timely emergency care and response.

Some good news - last week, the CDC approved booster shots for all adults aged 18 or older to extend the efficacy of the vaccine. If it’s been six months or longer since you’ve received your initial vaccine series (or over 2 months if you got Johnson & Johnson), please consider getting a booster. More information about boosters is available here.

These difficulties highlight the importance of as many people getting vaccinated as possible to both prevent the virus from spreading and to help prevent serious illness or hospitalization, particularly those with underlying conditions. If you’ve been hesitant or skeptical, now is the time. As Minnesotans, we care about one another, and it’s heartbreaking to see stories of people hospitalized experiencing regret for not getting the shot. Everyone age 5 or older is now eligible. A map of locations offering the vaccine is available here.

Lifting the Grower Cap

Yesterday, I visited Lift Bridge Brewery with my colleague, Rep. Dan Wolgamott. Next session, we’ll be working on legislation to lift the growler cap, allowing breweries like Lift Bridge to continue to sell growlers without fear of reaching the current limit. I’ll be sure to keep you posted on this legislation!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope you and yours have a safe, healthy, and warm Thanksgiving. Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule is now in place, ensuring we all stay warm this winter. If you or someone you know is having trouble paying an electricity or gas bill, you can find helpful information on the Public Utility Commission’s website.

Once we’re back from the break, we’ll start preparing in earnest for the 2022 Legislative Session in January. If you have any questions, comments, or ideas on how to make our community and state a better place to live, work, and raise a family, please reach out to me. You can contact me through email (rep.shelly.christensen@house.mn) or phone (651-296-4244). I appreciate hearing from you!

Sincerely, 

Representative Shelly Christensen