State Representative Todd Lippert sent a newsletter to his constituents yesterday that laid out his agenda and priorities for the
coming regular session of the state legislature.
Lippert said, with the $7.7 billion state budget surplus, there is an opportunity to address some of the state’s biggest needs.
Offering families help with childcare, he said, would not just ease a financial burden on many who are struggling through the pandemic, but it would also help bring more people back into the workforce. He said the state should also help with elder care and care for those who are disabled. The lack of people working in long-term care has now become a statewide emergency. Minnesota offers one of the lowest reimbursement rates in the country, he said, and offering more direct aid to long term care facilities would help them attract and retain workers.
Another priority, he said, will be finally making progress on paid family leave. Lippert said it is vital that legislators put politics aside and pass a bill that would allow up to 12 weeks of paid leave for workers to care for a new child, or take care of a family member, or even themselves, due to a serious health emergency
He said affordable housing will be another priority for himself and the DFL party, as will be stronger efforts to help people save money on electric bills and address climate emissions through weatherization techniques. And on the topic of climate, he said a better statewide clean fuel policy would help in more than one area.
“And one other conversation I’m having is with the governor’s office. They have been hosting a series of conversations on a clean fuel standard for Minnesota. It’s the biggest transportation level we can pull in this state to help reduce carbon emissions. It would also benefit farmers in Minnesota as well.”
Finally, he strongly encouraged everyone to get vaccinated against Covid-19, and for those who have been vaccinated to get a booster shot.
Representative Lippert said he be contacted at rep.todd.lippert@house.mn or at his legislative office at 651-296-0171.
The new legislative session will begin January 31st.
Jeff Johnson’s full conversation with Representative Todd Lippert can be heard here
Red Cross says blood reserves nearing crisis levels
The American Red Cross announced yesterday that the nation’s blood reserves are at an historical low. Blood supply has been a
persistent problem throughout the pandemic, but according to a statement issued by the Minnesota and Dakotas region of the organization the country is now at the threshold of a medical crisis.
Sue Thesenga, the Regional Communications Manager for the Red Cross said If more donors do not come out to give bloods, hospitals may be forced to delay care to patients relying on blood transfusions. The ongoing decline comes at a time of year when donations typically fall. Holiday get-togethers, school breaks and winter weather often lead to lower donor turnout, potentially further compounding the situation.
Potential donors are urged to schedule an appointment now by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 800-733-2767. If there is not an immediate opportunity available to donate, donors are asked to make an appointment in the days and weeks ahead to ensure the Red Cross can replenish and then maintain a sufficient blood supply.
Those who give blood in January will automatically be entered for a chance to win a trip to the Super Bowl in Los Angeles. January donors will also be automatically entered to win a home theater package and a $500 e-gift card.
In the coming weeks, Northfield will see blood drives hosted by St John’s Lutheran Church and Trinity Lutheran Church, Carleton College, FiftyNorth and Culver’s of Northfield.
For more information on how to donate and where to find a blood drive, please visit redcross.org
Omicron puts another damper on the holidays
And as Minnesotans gather together for the holidays, the Minnesota Department of Health is reminding everyone to remain
cautious in the face of a sharp rise in positive Covid-19 cases due to the Omicron variant.
In a statement released yesterday, State Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm said that Omicron is now likely the dominant strain of Covid-19 in Minnesota. The quick rise of the variant, she said, which is even more contagious than previous strains, underscores the importance of everyone taking steps to slow its spread so the state’s already strained health care system does not become overwhelmed.
As friends and families get together over the next few days, it is essential to use multiple layers of protection to avoid the worst impacts of Omicron.
Malcolm said vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones — especially those who can’t be vaccinated and children under 5. Those who have been fully vaccinated for more than 6 months should get a booster shot. Everyone should be tested on a regular basis as well, to make sure they are not spreading the virus to others unknowingly. She said the state is offering many free testing options and encouraged everyone to take advantage of them.
Finally, everyone should wear a well-fitting mask while traveling and in indoor public settings.
Nearly 3.5 million Minnesotans are now fully vaccinated, and more are being vaccinated very day. Malcolm said Minnesota is preparing for an increase in COVID-19 cases in the coming weeks, but the state has the tools and knowledge to respond more effectively than at any other point in the pandemic, and the federal government will be supplying added resources for testing and health care support in the weeks ahead.
Rich Larson is the KYMN News Director. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
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