Legislative Update: Hunger-Free Schools, Reduced Restrictions

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Dear Neighbors, 

In honor of Women’s History Month, I want to talk about my mother, a lifelong ELL educator who continues to inspire me with the impactful work she does for the community.

In response to COVID-19, my mother took over the meal box logistics in her district and describes the experience as “one of the most meaningful projects of her career.” Minnesota’s school districts are doing everything to make sure children’s health, education, and nutrition intake remain a priority, which is why we need to respond with the same care and urgency here in the legislature.

Hunger-Free Schools

When one in six Minnesota children are trying to learn with an empty stomach, it is far past time for the legislature to act. That’s why I am so honored to be the Chief Author of the Hunger-Free Schools bill (House File 1729) to bring breakfast and lunch to Minnesota students falling through the cracks of our outdated school lunch program. 

This bill is a chance for ALL legislators representing urban, rural, and suburban districts to come together and advocate to end childhood hunger. This is a bill to close opportunity gaps between white students and students of color, improve student mental health, and grow happy and healthy families across Minnesota.

Recovery Bill

We all need people in our lives who understand what struggles we’ve faced, our hopes and dreams for the future, and encouragement to power through hardship. Those barriers are especially high for folks in recovery and require additional support. Housing, education, and job training opportunities are an essential part of recovery in addition to emotional care. 

Earlier this month, I introduced House File 2084 to provide funding for recovery community organizations in Minnesota. Everyone deserves the resources and support needed to recover and heal. Through this bill, we can partner with RCOs all across the state to build a safe and healthy community for all Minnesotans to thrive.

Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act

Since taking effect last July, the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy has reported that 465 Minnesotans have obtained access to life-saving insulin thanks to the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act.

This is one small but significant step forward in our efforts to make life-saving medication affordable to anyone who needs it. It’s also a tangible example of what we can do for people when we work together on bipartisan solutions for Minnesotans.

If you or anyone you know might need an urgent need of a 30-day supply of affordable insulin, please visit MNinsulin.org, where you can see if you qualify, download the application, and learn how to apply today.

Reduced COVID-19 Restrictions in MN 

Beginning March 15, Minnesotans can safely gather with more friends and loved ones and do more to support small businesses harmed the most by COVID-19. Governor Walz and public health officials say restrictions can be eased because Minnesotans are following public health guidelines, hospitalizations are falling, and the state is weeks ahead of schedule on vaccinations. Nearly 1.2 million Minnesotans and more than 70 percent of seniors have gotten a shot. Click here to watch Gov. Walz’s news conference announcing the changes, or click here to read coverage from the Star Tribune. 

Emergency Rent Assistance Deadline: March 19

Households with unpaid rent and low incomes may qualify for help paying for rent and utility bills. The deadline to apply is Friday, March 19, at noon.

Learn more and apply now

Rent is still due during the State of Minnesota’s evictions moratorium. You can’t be evicted for not paying rent under Governor Walz’s executive order, but this order may be lifted soon, and you will be at risk of eviction if you have unpaid rent. Don’t wait to apply for help.

This is an initial short-term program to get urgent help to households with high need. More support will be offered to even more households through a statewide COVID-19 Emergency Rent Assistance program opening later this month.

It is my job to serve you. Please do not hesitate to contact me with anything you may need. 

Sincerely,

Sydney Jordan

State Representative