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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Mohamud Noor (DFL)

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Legislative Update: March 8, 2021

Monday, March 8, 2021

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Rep. Noor

Happy International Women's Day! 

Today is a great day to celebrate the extraordinary women in history, in our lives, and of the next generation. I am incredibly honored to work alongside the brilliant women in the Minnesota Legislature to create a better and more inclusive state. 

Update on MN Vaccine Distribution

Minnesota has made hard-fought progress to overcome COVID-19. Cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are all trending downward, and our vaccination process is improving as the vaccine supply increases. As of Tuesday, March 5th, 1,047,077 Minnesotans have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and 570,038 have completed the series.

Minnesota is already a national leader on the vaccine distribution process. As of Wednesday, the Centers for Disease Control ranks Minnesota 3rd among states for the percentage of doses received that have been administered. 

I urge you to continue to social distance, wear a mask, and monitor new information on vaccinations. Current projections show every Minnesotan vaccinated by this Summer. Stay safe!

The PROMISE Act for 2021 Legislative Session

This week, I held a press conference along with House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler, Representative Fue Lee, and members of the Minneapolis and St. Paul legislative delegations, and community leaders to highlight proposals to help businesses rebuild and recover from last summer’s civil unrest, many of which are owned by Black, immigrant, and communities of color. You can watch the recording here.

The Providing Resources, Opportunity and Maximizing Investments in Striving Entrepreneurs (PROMISE) Act, which House lawmakers first approved on June 19, 2020, provides assistance for impacted community members, nonprofits, and business owners. The proposal includes $267 million in direct assistance to small businesses.

Our community is still struggling to heal from the collective trauma of George Floyd’s murder, the civil unrest that followed, and the psychological upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic. The PROMISE Act is a continued promise to support Black, Indigenous and Immigrant-owned businesses to build back better and stronger. Our job is to provide community members and impacted businesses with the resources necessary to recover and rebuild the culture and vibrancy of Minnesota.

MinnesotaReformerPicture

Photo by Ricardo Lopez/Minnesota Reformer

Driver’s Licenses for All Legislation

Last week, the Minnesota House DFL introduced driver's licenses for all legislation, extending the privilege to be legally behind the wheel regardless of immigration status. This bill is about keeping families together, keeping our residents engaged in Minnesota, contributing to the economy, aiding public safety, and enabling the ability to participate in everyday activities like taking your kids to soccer practice or simply picking up groceries. By denying the right to a driver's license, we're denying families opportunities, endangering public safety, and criminalizing participation in civic life. 

You can watch the press conference or read the bill here.

 

Update on Minnesota’s Economic Forecast

Twice each year, near the end of November and February, Minnesota Management & Budget (MMB) produces a forecast of the state’s General Fund revenues and expenditures for current and future bienniums. There is no longer an anticipated shortfall for the 2022-23 fiscal year based on today’s announcement! The projected positive balance is $1.6 billion due to higher revenue forecast, lower state spending, and an increased balance for the current fiscal year.

At the legislature, we will prioritize investments that put people first and create a better quality of life for all Minnesotans.

 

Vaccination Video Series in Spanish, Somali, Hmong, and English.

The Sahan Journal recently published an article with Community leaders who came together to produce a series of videos addressing questions and providing resources in Spanish, Somali, Hmong, and English to communicate COVID-19 related information to individuals with language barriers. 

You can read the article, share, and watch the videos here

You can find additional information on COVID-19 resources by county, language, or cultural community at https://covidcommunitycoordinators.web.health.state.mn.us.

 

The COVID-19 Vaccine Connector Tool and Timeline

Minnesota has just launched a new tool to make reliable vaccine updates and COVID-19 related information reach you faster. The COVID-19 Vaccine Connector will help Minnesotans find out when, where, and how to get their COVID-19 vaccine.

When you become eligible, the Vaccine Connector will:

  • alert you of your eligibility;
  • connect you to resources to schedule a vaccine appointment; and
  • notify you if there are vaccine opportunities in your area.

As Minnesotans become eligible for the vaccine, they will still make appointments directly through a registered vaccinator at this time. You can find vaccination centers near you here. 

However, this Connector is an easy way for Minnesotans to stay updated about their eligibility and find opportunities to get a shot once it’s their turn. For more information about signing up, eligibility, and more, visit: https://mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/connector/

Minnesotans unable to sign up online can have family or friends help them sign up online, or call 833-431-2053 for assistance signing up over the phone.

Vaccine Connector  

Vaccine distribution got off to a slow start throughout the nation, but Minnesota is making improvements every week as we receive more doses from the federal government. A new online vaccine locator map is available to help Minnesotans more easily find and connect with local vaccine providers. This map will grow as the federal government sends Minnesota more doses.

Another helpful resource for information about COVID-19 is https://mn.gov/covid19.

As spring approaches, we can also see our path out of this pandemic. Below is the Graphic that details more clearly, which population will get the vaccine and whenIt’s important to note that if we reach our state’s goals, all Minnesotans by this summer will have access to get the vaccine.

vax-timeline

Economic Justice Panel from February

During Black History Month, Attorney General Ellison hosted listening sessions focused on issues most pressing to Black Minnesotans: education, housing, criminal, and racial justice. If you missed it, you can still catch the recorded version on Attorney General Kieth Ellison's Facebook Page

listening

Thank you for the honor of representing our district 60B residents and families in the Minnesota House! Please reach out with any questions or concerns you may have about the state of our legislature.

Sincerely,

Mohamud Noor

State Representative