Republicans in Minnesota’s congressional delegation all said Tuesday that they are opposed to the impeachment of President Donald Trump in his final days in office, arguing it would be divisive after previously expressing doubts about the legitimacy of President-elect Joe Biden’s win.
“I think impeachment is going to only further divide an already divided country,” Republican U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber said in an interview Tuesday. “I think it is time we all tone down our rhetoric and understand that first and foremost, we’re Americans.”
The House is expected to take up articles of impeachment against Trump on Wednesday, in response to his role in inciting last Wednesday’s violent attack on the House and Senate last week. While decrying the violence and calling now for unity, all four Minnesota Republicans previously made public expressions of support for Trump’s unfounded claims of voter fraud, and three of them signed on to an unsuccessful legal effort to overturn Biden’s win. Continue reading.
Even though it has felt like we have been in a perpetual session for the past year, this week is the official beginning of the 2021 session. I am honored to return to the Capitol where I will continue to advocate for your needs. COVID-19 will continue to play a significant role in how we approach legislating this year, and while we are a split legislature once more I am hopeful that we will be able to accomplish a lot of good.
I am truly heartbroken by the wave of mob violence and destruction at our nation’s Capitol. Violence is never an answer, and the rhetoric and misinformation that leads to this kind of violence should be condemned as well. On a positive note, I am confident in our institutions here in Minnesota and I know that we will be able to govern safely, with respect and decency.
Walz Announces New Covid-19 Protocols
Thanks to your collective sacrifice and willingness to dial back during the holidays, Minnesota has seen a sharp drop in the amount of Covid-19 cases. As a result, Governor Walz announced last week that several restrictions on certain activities and sectors will be loosened. While this is certainly encouraging news, please remember that an open Minnesota is a privilege and one we must all work for. Please continue to mask up, get tested, stay home when sick, and avoid large gatherings of people from separate households. Here are the new rules:
On Tuesday, January 5, 2021 I was sworn in to serve another term representing SD46 in the State Senate. It continues to be an honor and privilege to serve the communities of St. Louis Park, Plymouth, Hopkins, Medicine Lake, and Golden Valley. I will serve on the Judiciary and Public Safety Policy and Finance Committee (where I am the DFL ranking member) as well as the Civil Law and Data Practices Policy Committee.
There are many pressing issues to be addressed in our state. The continued effort to contain and slow the spread of COVID-19, the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine, and creating and passing a two-year balanced budget, are several major tasks on our legislative agenda. In the coming weeks, I will be sharing a newsletter more closely focusing upon my work and the work of the legislature.
However, this would be an incomplete letter without addressing the insurgency in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday. Armed individuals spurred on by the President’s rhetoric and total disregard for the Constitution and our duly elected government violently breached the United States Capitol. This was an attempted coup – shall I say insurrection, sedition, treason – by those who have deeply bought in to the repeatedly disproven claims that the election results in President-elect Joe Biden’s favor are fraudulent. Four years of inflammatory, conspiratorial and violence-encouraging messages from the White House – and their repetition and amplification by some political leadership at the state and national levels – have led to this and I fear this may be the beginning of repeated, coordinated actions against government. It is incumbent upon leaders across the nation to speak out in condemnation of this and to continue the difficult work of supporting and defending the U.S. Constitution in the face of domestic terrorists.
I hope this email finds you well. This week in our nation’s Capitol we witnessed shocking disrespect to our institutions. We must decide moving forward that dangerous rhetoric by elected officials will not be tolerated. We must find ways to work together and to understand those we may not necessarily agree with politically. Now is the time for common ground and unity.
Understandably lost in the news this week was the Governor’s decision to loosen restrictions on restaurants, bars, other businesses. I am proud to have helped work with many businesses from our community and the Governor’s Office to find a safe path forward.
Beginning Monday, January 11, new public health guidelines take effect, which loosen restrictions on important parts of daily life. This comes as tens of thousands of Minnesotans have received their first dose of the vaccine, COVID-19 cases are down, hospital bed use is declining, and kids are heading back to the classroom. Recognizing our progress – but understanding we need to remain cautious – the Governor is adjusting the dials and opening more activities and sectors of the economy.
I was deeply disturbed and saddened by the attack on our nation’s Capitol this week. What we saw on Wednesday was an attempt to undermine our democracy, fueled by the spread of misinformation. Tragically, five people have died, including a Capitol police officer.
Those who engaged in violence or intentionally provoked it should be held accountable, and the dangerous and divisive rhetoric that led to these events needs to end. We must stand together to protect our democracy and reject efforts to undermine the will of voters
2021 Legislative Session Begins
On Tuesday, I was sworn in for another term in the Minnesota House of Representatives. It’s an honor to continue serving the people of Minnetonka, Plymouth, and Woodland. I am ready to work hard for our community and the state of Minnesota!
I’m excited to announce that I will be Vice Chair of the Climate and Energy Finance and Policy Committee this session. I will also serve on the Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee, the Legacy Finance Committee, and the Preventative Health Policy Division.
Join Us for a Virtual Town Hall
Sen. Ann Johnson Stewart, Rep. Ginny Klevorn, and I are holding a virtual town hall next week to hear your feedback and discuss the 2021 legislative session. On Saturday, January 16 at 10 a.m., you can join us via Zoom by clicking the following link: https://zoom.us/j/98163177895?pwd=dHc0UCtaSFlrNUJ3MS9FTVNkc0Y5QT09. You can also join via phone by calling 312-626-6799 and entering the meeting ID (981 6317 7895) and passcode (733138) when prompted. We hope to see you then!
Small Business Grant Applications Open
As a result of bipartisan collaboration between the House, Senate, and Governor, additional economic support is now available to Minnesota’s small businesses. Hennepin County recently opened the grant application process, and the online form can be accessed here until January 14. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any assistance or have questions about eligibility.
Updated Public Health Guidelines
Thanks to the actions Minnesotans have taken over the past month, COVID-19 cases in our state are on a downward trend. In response, Governor Walz announced that some of the current restrictions will be loosened starting on January 11. You can find more information about the new guidelines here, but these are some of the changes that will take effect:
Indoor dining will be allowed to reopen at 50 percent capacity. Reservations will be required, and bars and restaurants must close by 10 p.m.
Indoor event and entertainment venues may open at 25 percent capacity. The maximum capacity for outdoor events and entertainment will increase.
Gym capacity will remain capped at 25 percent, but maximum capacity and class numbers can increase. Pools can open at 25 percent capacity.
Wedding receptions and other private events may resume. Capacity limits and other restrictions will vary depending on where the event is held.
Youth and adult sports may resume games with spectators on January 14.
How to Stay Connected This Session
Most of our work will be done remotely this session due to COVID-19, but there will still be plenty of opportunities to follow and participate in the legislative process. All public hearings and floor sessions will be broadcast on five House live stream channels, and House Public Information Services will continue providing nonpartisan news. You can follow their page on Facebook or subscribe to Session Daily to receive updates from the Capitol. I’ll continue to send these emails regularly, and you can follow my official Facebook page for more frequent updates.
I always appreciate hearing your questions and feedback, so please don’t hesitate to reach out! You can contact me at rep.patty.acomb@house.mn or 651-296-9934.
It has been a tumultuous week as session started here in Minnesota. I took my oath of office after having been re-elected by those I serve. It was a deep honor on Tuesday to reaffirm the vows I’ve taken twice before. There was, however, another event that occurred on Wednesday that I wanted to address.
Click above for full Video!
As an abled white man with privilege, I am obligated to condemn the heinous acts Wednesday incited by corruption and irresponsibly carried out by terrorists who, because of the color of their skin, did not face immediate consequences.
My daughter reminded me of how on June 22nd, 2017 disability activists protested on Capitol Hill against cuts to Medicaid, resulting in 43 arrests of people being removed from their wheelchairs and their mobility aids taken away.
Our honorable Hubert Humphrey wisely said, “the moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, those who are in the twilight of life, and those who are in the shadows of life.”
Must we remember to protect life, liberty and justice for ALL.
Every Minnesotan deserves the right to feel safe in their community, to have economic opportunity and stability, to have affordable, accessible health care, and to receive a world-class education – from kindergarten to college. Every family deserves stable housing, high-quality childcare, and the ability to take care of their loved ones without fear of losing a job. Every person deserves a life of dignity, whether in the earliest years of their life or their twilight years. All workers, not just our front-line heroes, deserve fair wages and the right to collectively bargain. Our communities deserve an economic system that works for the main street, not big corporations. And future generations deserve the right to enjoy clean air, clean water, and to fully enjoy the natural bounty we are fortunate enough to have.
Thank you.
John
Click above for full video
Each member of the Legislature swore an oath to support the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of Minnesota, and to faithfully discharge the duties of their office. Each of us, not just legislators, but citizens throughout the country, have a duty to reject any attempt to subvert our constitution or our great democracy.
A letter signed by all 31 members of the State Senate DFL Caucus was sent to President Trump condemning the violence and sedition witnessed yesterday at the U.S. Capitol. It was also sent to representatives of the state’s federal delegation.
Although face-to-face interactions within the Capitol complex will be extremely limited this session, nonpartisan staff have been working hard to make it easier to follow the legislative session and interact with elected officials.
Select the committee of interest, scroll to the bottom of the page to find committee schedules, recordings of hearings, and a list of bills in committee.
Click on “subscription page” to have your email added to the committee listserv
This page lists all committees in one place for those wishing to sign up for multiple committees at once.
Senate bill introductions are posted at this link, typically one day prior to the next scheduled Floor session. The Senate typically is in session on Mondays and Thursdays, and frequently additional days as the May deadline approaches.
Search for specific bills here. Make sure the correct legislative session is selected before searching (i.e. ‘92ndLegislature, 2021-2022).
Find who represents you at the State Legislature, enter your address at this site
Visit the senator’s website to contact them directly via email and sign up for weekly newsletters and/or video updates.
Sign up for the Senate DFL Week in Review newsletter here
Offices: make this more specific to you by adding Twitter/Facebook/Instagram/etc. follow information here if desired, mention town hall meeting dates, virtual office hours you may be doing, etc.
General information
Visit this page to sign up for Senate Daily Orders of Business, bill introductions, TV schedules, and other general information about the Senate.
The House of Representatives offers many similar services. Visit house.leg.state.mn.us.
Thank you!
It is my greatest honor to represent you the citizens of Brooklyn Park, Champlin and Coon Rapids here at our great state capitol. In addition to representing you, I absolutely enjoy it when you come visit.You must schedule with our office to arrange an appointment before any arrival, and we also do Zoom meetings! So reach out and tell me what matters to you or schedule an appointment so I can continue working on your behalf. You can reach me by email at sen.john.hoffman@senate.mn or by phone at 651-296-4154. I am at 95 University Avenue Suite 2235 in the Minnesota Senate Building
Sincerely,
Senator John Hoffman
If you have any questions or concerns feel free to call my office at 651-296-4154 or by e-mail at jhoffman@senate.mn
Covid/Executive Order Updates
New Public Health Measures Thanks to the actions Minnesotans have taken, the COVID-19 situation has improved over the past month. The Governor announced yesterday that some restrictions will be loosened. Here are some of the significant changes that will take effect on January 11:
Indoor dining will be allowed to reopen at 50 percent capacity. Reservations will be required, and bars and restaurants must close by 10 p.m. Indoor events and entertainment venues may open with limited capacity. Wedding receptions and other private events may resume with limits. Maximum capacity for gyms and outdoor events will increase. Youth and adult sports can resume games on January 14. .
Minnesota’s COVID-19 Vaccination Plan is an immense undertaking that has required thoughtful planning and coordination. The state has already distributed nearly 300,000 doses of vaccine to provider sites across the state, and over 80,000 Minnesotans have received a vaccination. This is a huge accomplishment seeing as though there wasn’t even an approved vaccine one month ago. But we know there is a long way to go as shipments from the federal government remain limited, which restricts our ability to get vaccines to everyone who wants one.
The Aging and Long-Term Care committee, which I am honored to serve on again this year, heard an update from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) this week on COVID-19 testing and immunization for Minnesota’s aging populations. Older adults living in congregate settings, such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities, are at increased risk during this pandemic due to the threats of COVID-19. Spikes in community spread throughout the state have forced many facilities to halt their visiting policies, adding more emotional strain on these residents. This is why state and federal guidance puts long-term care residents in the first priority group to receive vaccines, along with many of the state’s health care workers.
Immunizations of Minnesota’s most vulnerable have already begun. Some nursing homes and assisted living facilities are participating in a federal pharmacy partnership program which has encountered issues during rollout, though others are using local pharmacies and public health departments coordinated by MDH, which can move doses faster. As we continue to receive more shipments of vaccine from the federal government, Minnesota will move to immunize adults aged 75 and older, with those aged 65 and older following afterward. More information on the timeline for vaccine rollout in those groups will be available in the coming weeks as we get a better idea of how much vaccine we can expect to receive from the federal government.
We want COVID-19 vaccines to be administered as quickly and as safely as possible so we can all return to a more normal life. States across the nation are struggling with limited vaccine supply, so we must be patient as we make sure those at highest risk of contracting COVID-19 and those most at risk for serious illness have access to the immunizations they need until more is available for the general public. While Senate Republicans continue to criticize Governor Walz’s every move without offering solutions or plans, DFLers are committed to identifying what gaps remain in funding or support for our long-term care industry so the Legislature can be an effective partner in overcoming this pandemic.
The Governor announces easing of COVID-19 restrictions
The Governor made an announcement this week about the easing of COVID-19 restrictions that have been in place over the past two months. Due to the slowing of new positive COVID-19 cases after a peak in November, the governor has made the decision to re-open specific sectors of the state economy including indoor dining. Changes will go into effect on Monday, January 11. The governor emphasized that this action is taken with the understanding that Minnesotans still need to remain cautious and take proper precautions.
The new guidelines in place:
Indoor dining at bars and restaurants can be open at 50% capacity, with a maximum of 150 people. Parties of no more than 6 people, with six feet distance from other parties; bar seating is open to parties of two; reservations are required; and establishments must close dine-in service by 10 p.m.
Gym capacity remains capped at 25% but maximum capacity is 150 and classes can be increased to 25 people, assuming distancing can be observed. Machines and people must maintain nine feet of distance. Face coverings are required.
Outdoor events and entertainment continue at 25% capacity, but maximum capacity increases to 250. Social distancing is required.
Indoor events and entertainment – like bowling alleys, movie theaters, and museums – continue at 25% capacity, with no more than 25 people in each area of the venue. Face coverings are required, and they may not offer food service after 10 p.m.
Youth and adult organized sport have resumed practice as of January 4, and games resume January 14 with spectators, following the appropriate capacity limits for indoor and outdoor venues. Inter-region tournaments and out of state play are discouraged
Pools, like gyms, increase to 25% capacity.
Wedding receptions and other private parties may resume with limits. If food and drink are served at the event, then they are limited to two households or 10 people indoors and three households or 15 people outdoors. If there is no food or drink, they are covered by event venue guidelines. Any related ceremony – like a wedding or funeral ceremony – is guided by rules for ceremonies and places of worship. Places of worship remain at 50% capacity but without an overall maximum capacity
E-12 Committee
The Senate’s E-12 Committee held an unofficial meeting this week. They heard about schools re-opening but did not discuss any concrete plans for bringing Minnesota students back into the classroom.
The meeting focused mostly on parents discussing the difficulties of distance learning, especially for students with learning disabilities, and their desires to have their schools re-open. A few school board members discussed their challenges, and the Minnesota Parents Union was represented by a number of the presenters. There were no teachers, school staff, or administration presenters although representatives from the Education Department are slated to testify next week and discuss the MDE Safe Learning Plan. Another presenter said they represented the Let Them Learn group that they claimed has 6,000 members. The group only has a private Facebook page with 6,000 followers.
The Governor announced a phased school re-opening plan last month; it was not mentioned during the meeting. Elementary schools can bring students back to the classroom on January 18, and youth sports will begin January 11.
Like most, I have been spending a lot of time thinking about this dark week in our nation’s history. I’m struck by how it felt at the same time both surreal yet entirely inevitable.
Donald Trump and his allies spent years discrediting and sowing distrust in every public institution and the very essence of our democracy. At the same time, Congressional Republicans enabled and mobilized the mob forces we saw at our nation’s Capitol with their complicit silence. Make no mistake, this was an insurrection. Donald Trump and his allies who tried to overturn the will of American voters bear responsibility.
This stain on our democracy will not be resolved overnight, in one election, or in one year, but I take solace in the fact that the fascist mob and their enablers represent a fraction of Americans. It is up to all of us to speak up, harness our collective faith in our democracy, and get to work to rebuild and strengthen it.
Today I sit in my office across the street from the Minnesota State Capitol. Today more than most days, I feel the weight and responsibility of my role as a state representative, entrusted with this job by my community. I take this solemn duty seriously and am resolved to fight for and defend our democracy from those who seek to destroy it.
The 2021 Legislative Session Begins
The chaos in Washington DC was in stark contrast to the calm, orderly start to the 2021 Legislative Session here in Minnesota. Adhering to public health guidelines, I joined the majority of my legislative colleagues in taking out oath of office remotely.
Representing the communities of Richfield and Bloomington in the Minnesota House is a humbling responsibility. Thank you to my community for your trust. I am ready to fight for you, and with you, to make our community, state and world a better place.
This session, I’m excited to continue in my role as the Vice Chair of the Housing Finance and Policy Committee in the Minnesota House. The ongoing global pandemic has shown how important access to a safe and secure home is for the health and wellbeing of an entire community. It’s the bedrock we need to establish for all Minnesotans in order for any other policy or investment to be impactful. I’ll also be serving on the newly-established Division on Preventing Homelessness, and have been crafting legislation on housing that will be instrumental in our initial policy proposals on both economic security and health care. Stay tuned for more on these issues.
As a result of our bipartisan work in the House with the Senate and Governor Walz, additional economic support is now available to our small businesses. Hennepin County recently opened the grant application process, and the online form can be accessed here until January 14. Please don’t hesitate to reach out directly if you need any assistance or have questions about eligibility.
Adjusting the Dials on COVID Measures
The measures we are taking to slow the spread of COVID-19 are working. Despite this being one of the deadliest weeks of the pandemic for the nation, Minnesota has consistently seen a decline in cases. In response to this, Governor Walz announced a series of changes to public health guidance, allowing more businesses to reopen and activities to take place. Starting Monday, January 11, the following changes take effect:
Indoor dining at bars and restaurants can open at 50 percent capacity, with a maximum of 150 people. Parties of no more than six people must remain six feet from other parties; bar seating is open to parties of two; reservations are required; and establishments must close dine-in service by 10 p.m.
Gym capacity remains capped at 25 percent but maximum capacity increases to 150 and classes can increase to 25 people, assuming distancing can be observed. Machines and people must maintain 9 feet of distance. Face coverings are required.
Outdoor events and entertainment continue at 25 percent capacity, but maximum capacity increases to 250 people. Social distancing is required.
Indoor events and entertainment – like bowling alleys, movie theaters, and museums – may open at 25 percent, with no more than 150 people in each area of the venue. Face coverings are required, and they may not offer food service after 10 p.m.
Youth and adult organized sports have resumed practice as of January 4 and games resume January 14 with spectators, following the appropriate capacity limits for indoor or outdoor venues. Inter-region tournaments and out of state play are discouraged.
Pools opened on January 4 for some activity and may now open, like gyms, at 25 percent capacity.
This is good news for our local businesses, but it remains incredibly important that we continue to social distance, wash our hands, wear a mask, and get tested when we feel sick.
Stay Connected This Session
This session, we’ll continue to conduct committees and business on the House floor remotely. This is far from ideal, but continues to be a necessary measure for the health and safety of our staff and members. Though you won’t be able to physically sit in on a committee hearing, watch a debate from the House gallery, or visit with me in person, we’ve taken measures to continue to be as transparent and accessible as possible during the remainder of this pandemic.
As always, feel free to reach out to my office with any questions or comments you may have. You’ll reach me or our legislative assistant, Blake. You can contact me at at rep.michael.howard@house.mn or (651) 296-7158.
The challenges we face are immense, but so too our strength and resilience. Together, we are powerful, and we have so much work to do.
I am eager to get back to the regular legislative session of 2021, which marks the beginning of the 92nd Legislature. It is also my honor to be sworn into my third term in the Minnesota Senate.
Minnesotans faced unprecedented disruption in 2020 with the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic and the unrest following the murder of George Floyd. Few of the years in the history of our state have presented as many challenges as 2020, and yet these challenges remain as we enter 2021. Despite this, we remain guided by our shared values and priorities.
I am grateful to the residents of 48A for the privilege of serving you in the House of Representatives. Following public health guidelines, we will continue to operate remotely in the Minnesota House, but we will ensure openness and transparency for the public.
The legislative session convened on Tuesday and like many other unique pandemic-related experiences, we were sworn in remotely via Zoom.
Taking our oath of office in shifts via Zoom!
New Committees
I am excited to announce that I have been appointed as Vice Chair of the Early Childhood Finance and Policy committee where I will continue to advocate for our littlest learners from a leadership role. I will also serve on Health Finance and Policy, Preventative Health Policy and Rules and Legislative Administration.
The House has expanded the number of simultaneous committees it can webcast live from a maximum of two to five, so you can stay currrent on issues moving through committees this budget session.
Visit the committee home pages of my committees to follow our work this session:
As a result of our collective efforts, the COVID-19 spread has slowed across the state. Recognizing our progress – but understanding we need to remain cautious – Governor Walz announced yesterday the opening more activities and sectors of the economy.
Beginning January 11:
Indoor dining at bars and restaurants can open at 50 percent capacity, with a maximum of 150 people. Parties of no more than six people must remain six feet from other parties; bar seating is open to parties of two; reservations are required; and establishments must close dine-in service by 10 p.m.
Gym capacity remains capped at 25 percent but maximum capacity increases to 150 and classes can increase to 25 people, assuming distancing can be observed. Machines and people must maintain 9 feet of distance. Face coverings are required.
Outdoor events and entertainment continue at 25 percent capacity, but maximum capacity increases to 250 people. Social distancing is required.
Indoor events and entertainment – like bowling alleys, movie theaters, and museums – may open at 25 percent, with no more than 150 people in each area of the venue. Face coverings are required, and they may not offer food service after 10 p.m.
Youth and adult organized sports have resumed practice as of January 4 and games resume January 14 with spectators, following the appropriate capacity limits for indoor or outdoor venues. Inter-region tournaments and out of state play are discouraged.
Places of worship remain open at 50% capacity but without an overall maximum capacity.
Everyone can work to reduce the spread of COVID-19
Wear masks when in public. 10-50% of virus carriers are asymptomatic (are not experiencing any symptoms). Wearing masks helps control the virus and has been shown to lessen COVID-19 spread.
Avoid enclosed spaces with groups of people, where the virus can linger in the air for long periods of time.
Get tested if you have cold or flu-like symptoms.
Stay six feet away from others.
Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or sleeve, or a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands afterwards.
Washing your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom or before eating. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Avoid touching your face – especially your eyes, nose and mouth – with unwashed hands.
Please continue to reach out with any input, ideas, or feedback about the issues important to you. I value hearing from you, so please don’t hesitate to call or email me any time. You can also connect with me on Facebook here. It’s an honor to represent you at the State Capitol.
2021 Legislative Session Begins and everything happening in the Legislature this week.
2021 legislative session begins after a tumultuous 2020
Minnesotans faced unprecedented disruption in 2020 with the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic and the unrest following the murder of George Floyd. Read more >>
DFL Senators take the oath of office
The 91st Minnesota Legislature began with an unprecedented first day. All senators were sworn in through socially distant procedures, with several senators choosing to take their oaths of office remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more >>
Rioting and looting in our nation’s Capitol
Our democracy was assaulted this week when a violent mob stormed the United States Capitol during the certification of the electoral votes. This was a shocking and unprecedented incident in the history of the country. Read more >>
