Category: SD44

Dear Neighbors, 

I’d like to start by thanking the people of Minnetonka, Plymouth, and Woodland for the opportunity to serve our community for another two years. Returning to the Minnesota House of Representatives is an honor, and I’m excited to continue working with you.  

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New COVID-19 Measures 

Unfortunately, we’re experiencing a significant surge in COVID-19 cases in Minnesota. Last week, Governor Walz introduced a series of targeted steps to help curb the spread of the virus. Bars and restaurants must end dine-in service at 10 p.m. and close counter seating and service. There is a 10-person limit for indoor and outdoor gatherings, and all gatherings should be limited to members of three households or less. Capacity limits for larger events, such as weddings and funerals, will be phased in and eventually capped at 25 people. You can find more information about the new restrictions here.  

This is a dangerous time for Minnesotans. Each of us must do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19. In addition to following the new restrictions, please continue to wear a mask, social distance by at least six feet, and stay home if you’re not feeling well. Public health officials are also encouraging Minnesotans to get tested for COVID-19. You can find a testing site near you here.  

Continue reading “Rep. Patty Acomb (HD44B) Update: November 16, 2020”

Dear Neighbors,

I hope this finds you well and staying safe and healthy.

The Legislature reconvened for a special session on Monday. In the House, we’re working on a number of issues that Minnesotans have asked us to address. Ensuring critical services can continue during the pandemic is a top priority. We’re working on several COVID-19 relief and recovery measures, such as legislation to support disability services providers, to make sure Minnesotans can access the support they need to weather this storm.

We hope to pass a strong Jobs and Local Projects or “bonding” bill that funds priorities like clean water, roads and bridges, higher education, parks and trails, and more. Investing in infrastructure strengthens communities and creates good-paying jobs. This legislation would benefit our entire state and give the economy a boost at a critical time. We’re also working on police accountability and criminal justice reforms. We need to find commonsense solutions to ensure that all Minnesotans can feel safe in their communities. Continue reading “Rep. Patty Acomb (HD44B) Update: July 16, 2020”

Dear Neighbors,

I hope summer has been treating you well and that you’re staying cool! Rep. Ginny Klevorn and I are holding our first virtual town hall of the summer on Wednesday, July 15 from 7 – 8 p.m. We’ll be using Zoom, a free video conferencing software you can download here. You can join the meeting by clicking here when the event begins. To access the meeting by phone, call 312-626-6799 and enter the meeting ID (963 4697 7053) and password (444702) when prompted.

Continue reading “Rep. Patty Acomb (HD44B) Update: July 10, 2020”

Dear Neighbors,

A little over a week ago, Governor Walz called my colleagues and I back to the Capitol for a special session. Here’s a brief update on what we accomplished and remaining challenges:

Assistance for Small Businesses

When the House reconvened, our first order of business was approving $62.5 million in grants for small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill includes $60 million from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and $2.5 million from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s Emergency Loan Program. Under the bill, which Governor Walz signed into law on Tuesday, small businesses with 50 or fewer employees can receive grants up to $10,000. Priority will be given to Minnesota’s smallest businesses and those that were required to operate at 50 percent capacity or less. Continue reading “Rep. Patty Acomb (HD44B) Update: June 22, 2020”

Dear Neighbors,

George Floyd should be alive today. My thoughts are with his family and friends, the Minneapolis community, and our neighbors of color.

A few nights ago, I joined community members for an evening of peaceful protest, starting with a march in Plymouth and ending with a candlelight vigil in Minnetonka. It was moving to see our community coming together to demonstrate peacefully and call for justice. Continue reading “Rep. Patty Acomb (HD44B) Update: June 9, 2020”

Dear Neighbors,

On Wednesday, Governor Walz outlined the next steps in Minnesota’s response to COVID-19. On May 18, the stay at home order will expire and be replaced by a new “stay safe” order. Family and friends will be able to gather in groups of 10 or less while maintaining social distancing, and retail stores and main street businesses will be allowed to operate at 50 percent capacity once they create a safety plan. The Walz Administration will work with restaurants, bars, salons, and gyms to create a plan that allows these venues to open as soon as June 1.

Continue reading “Rep. Patty Acomb (HD44B) Update: May 15, 2020”

Dear Neighbors,

This week, my colleagues and I approved a package of legislation to help Minnesotans make it through the pandemic. The cornerstone of the bill is a $100 million investment in housing assistance. This funding would help Minnesotans make payments on rent, mortgages, utility bills, and property taxes so they can remain safely in their homes. The bill also invests $55 million in the Small Business Emergency Loan Program, which provides forgivable loans for businesses across the state. Many businesses need this support to keep operating as part of their communities.

The legislation includes targeted funding to bring broadband to unserved communities, provide students with the equipment they need to access online learning materials, and reimburse health care providers and counties that purchase telemedicine equipment. This would help provide more Minnesotans with a reliable internet connection so they can access vital services and stay in touch with others during the pandemic.

Finally, the bill increases wages for personal care attendants (PCAs) who care for people with disabilities, seniors, and other vulnerable Minnesotans. COVID-19 has created new challenges for PCAs, most of whom were already overworked and underpaid. They deserve our support more than ever before. You can find more information about this bill here. Continue reading “Rep. Patty Acomb (HD44B) Update: May 9, 2020”