Dear Neighbors, This week is the end of our House deadlines where we have to pass bills through certain committees if we want them to have a chance of becoming law this year. Because of the deadline we have been very productive in our various committees hearing important budget bills. After this week the Legislature will be in recess for the next week as we prepare for the final stretch of session. Here are some updates from the Capitol: House Early Childhood BudgetThis week the House Early Childhood Committee passed its finance bill. This bill puts children and their families front and center. It prioritizes the wellbeing of every child and will go a long way towards ensuring they receive the care and attention they need. Watch to hear my full thoughts on this important bill.  Avian InfluenzaThere is a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) spreading through bird populations across the nation. Most confirmed cases of HPAI have been in backyard flocks. Highly pathogenic avian influenza is a reportable disease. If you have a flock with sudden, high death rates or many birds with signs of HPAI, contact your veterinarian or the Minnesota Board of Animal Health, at 651-296-2942, right away. Learn more here. It’s also important to note that this virus is not a risk for humans.  New COVID-19 Testing ApproachMinnesota households are now eligible to receive two test kits (for a total of four tests) per home through the mail at mn.gov/covid19. Minnesota has secured 500,000 test kits (for a total of 1 million at-home tests) and the program will be available until all the test kits are ordered. My bill, HF 3862 creates a program to allow MDH to distribute free kn95 masks and rapid tests to Minnesotans who request them. Over the last two years we have learned just how important these tools are to minimizing the impact of COVID-19. While we all hope to avoid another wave, testing continues to be important for preventing the spread of the virus. Getting a test is still recommended if you: - have symptoms of the virus.
- have had close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.
- are returning from international or domestic travel.
- attended a high-risk event.
- work in a setting that has regular, close contact with many people.
Minnesota Health Plan ForumI am a co-chair of the Minnesota Health Plan Caucus which is pushing for a universal health care system in Minnesota where everyone would be covered and have affordable access to all the care they need. If you would like to learn more about our caucus and the benefits of this type of health care system I encourage you to attend our forum on Monday, April 11, at 6pm. You can find a link to join the Zoom here. Climate ForumI will also join MN 350 and Reps. Leibling, Long and Lippert next week to discuss climate action at the Capitol and what we can do to fight climate change. You can register here. - WHEN: 5 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 12
- WHO: Reps. Tina Liebling and Liz Boldon, MN350 Executive Director Tee McClenty, and other experts
- WHERE: Online. You will be sent a Zoom link after registering.
- SPONSORS: the MN Climate Table, 100% Campaign, COPAL, Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light, Climate Generation, MN350
Stay in TouchI always appreciate hearing from you, so please continue to share your questions, ideas, and feedback. Feel free to reach out to me by email at rep.liz.boldon@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-9249. If you’d like to schedule a time to chat by phone or Zoom, I’m happy to do that as well. If you have a friend, neighbor, or relative who wants to receive updates about the Legislature, let them know they can subscribe to my email list here, and you can also follow my Facebook page here. It’s an honor to represent our community. Please be safe and stay in touch. With gratitude purpose, Liz Rep.Liz Boldon, District 25B
533 State Office Building
St. Paul, MN 55155 |