Government officials are on the move and initiatives are underway across Ramsey County this February. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack made a point during his stop at the Rice Street WIC clinic on Feb. 1, pushing for full congressional funding of the program in 2024. At a news conference alongside Board Chair Trista Martinson and local health leaders, Vilsack and the team underscored the funding shortfall that threatens the nutrition program for women, infants, and children, according to the Ramsey County.
With the presidential primary around the corner, Ramsey County is offering early absentee voting from Jan. 19 to March 4, for those looking to cast their ballot before the March 5 polling date. Residents can vote by mail or at one of three in-person voting locations. Voting early, county residents have more flexibility, without waiting for Election Day balloting.
The county is also tackling the opioid crisis with an open grant application for local organizations fighting substance abuse. The Saint Paul - Ramsey County Public Health aims to invest up to $1,000,000 in these community-led efforts, focused on multiple fronts including pregnant individuals, justice-involved populations, and youth education. This grant initiative is part of a settlement-funded opioid response, with applications accepted from Jan. 31 through March 1, as per the Ramsey County.
