Friday, October 1, 2021
 Last week, following federal guidance issued from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Governor Walz announced that Minnesota will begin administering Pfizer COVID-19 booster shots to Minnesotans who got the Pfizer vaccine over 6 months ago and are 65+, have underlying health conditions, and work in high-risk settings. If you are eligible, find a booster shot near you by clicking here.
 On Friday, Governor Walz and the Minnesota Vikings announced two new vaccination clinics and giveaways, including two tickets to the Minnesota Vikings game against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium, at the upcoming Vikings home games on October 3 and 10. In addition to first and second doses, boosters will also be administered to eligible Minnesotans.
The first 50 Minnesotans 12 years of age and older who receive their COVID-19 vaccine at each pop-up clinic outside U.S. Bank Stadium will receive player autographed mini-helmets.
Click here for more information.
 On Monday, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan and Minnesota Department of Commerce Commissioner Grace Arnold held a press conference to highlight that Minnesotans can access greater financial assistance and newly expanded protections to keep their homes warm and lights on through Minnesota’s Energy Assistance Program and Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule. Minnesotans can apply for assistance by clicking here.
 On Friday, Governor Walz announced the state’s Duluth COVID-19 community testing site at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center is expanding its capacity by doubling daily capacity and adding a weekend testing day. [add link from release to more info]
The testing site will be open Monday, October 4 through Saturday, October 9 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Beginning the week of October 11, and continuing indefinitely, the site will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
 On Thursday, Governor Walz announced the state will host a Twin Cities Con vaccination clinic at the Minneapolis Convention Center on October 3. Each Minnesotan who receives a vaccine at the Twin Cities Con clinic will receive 25% off admission to Twin Cities Con 2022. In addition to first and second doses, boosters will also be administered to eligible Minnesotans.
The pop-up clinic is located in the Mezzanine of the Minneapolis Convention Center, and it will be open for vaccinations on October 3 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Also on Friday, Governor Walz joined governors from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin to announce a partnership to collaborate on an electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the Midwest region, signing the Regional Electric Vehicle for the Midwest Memorandum of Understanding (REV Midwest MOU). REV Midwest MOU will provide the foundation for cooperation on fleet electrification along key commercial corridors to safeguard economic security, grow jobs, futureproof interstate commerce, reduce harmful emissions, protect public health, and advance innovation.
On Wednesday, Governor Walz announced an allocation of $15 million in federal American Rescue Plan funds to help emergency shelters serving vulnerable Minnesotans improve COVID-19 mitigation measures. The funding will support the state’s Emergency Services Program grants, which are awarded to organizations that provide emergency shelter and essential services for people who are homeless.
“Every Minnesotan deserves a safe, warm place to sleep at night, especially as we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Governor Walz. “Minnesota’s shelters save lives and have been critical to our state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding will help ensure that as we approach our harsh winter months, Minnesota’s shelters are safe and available to Minnesotans who need them.”
Also on Friday, Governor Walz announced that personal care assistant workers in Minnesota will see higher wages and other new benefits this month. The statewide minimum wage for PCAs rises from $13.25 to $14.40 per hour effective Oct. 1, then increases again to $15.25 on July 1, 2022.
“Personal care assistants help Minnesotans with disabilities live fulfilling and independent lives, and I’ve had the privilege of seeing firsthand just how hard that work can be,” said Governor Walz. “The Minnesotans who dedicate their lives to this important work are heroes, and I am proud that this wage increase helps recognize the vital role they play in the lives of people across the state.”
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