Dear Neighbors,
Eid Mubarak to those who are celebrating this week! I know that many hearts may be heavy, tired, and exhausted from violence here at home, and abroad. It has been a difficult year, but it gives me hope to see so many passionate, outspoken people rise in solidarity.
We are approaching the end of session but negotiations still continue with the Senate Republicans. We have spent countless hours sitting in conference committees and fighting to keep our proposals. The bills I have authored this session are on the table and are an essential part of creating a better Minnesota. We need emergency paid sick leave (House File 41), we need police accountability, but we also need prevention from another act of violence driven by hate. House file 593 will ban police officers tasked with protection from affliation with white supremacist groups. This step towards public safety should not be controversial, and it seems that many other states in the U.S. feel the same way. The New York Times recently published an article describing the movement around this issue, you can read more here.
With less than a week before session adjournment on May 17, there is still much work ahead. I look forward to the discussions around finalizing the remainder of our budget. We know we need to take action to ensure a better Minnesota for all of us, a Minnesota where everyone can feel safe and economically thrive. Now it’s time for Senate republicans to join us with the same drive to end the session better than when we entered it in January.
You can watch live floor sessions here, follow the daily legislative schedules here and monitor conference committee schedules here.
DFL Freshmen members of the Minnesota House serving on conference committees:
Loosened COVID-19 Restrictions
Last week, the Governor announced a three-step timeline to end nearly all COVID-19 restrictions by May 28, and end the statewide masking requirement once 70% of Minnesotans aged 16 years and older get their vaccine, or by July 1.
This announcement comes as more than 2.6 million Minnesotans have been vaccinated and is on track to vaccinate 70% of Minnesotans by the end of June.
The most at-risk Minnesotans – seniors, long-term care residents, assisted living residents, educators, and front-line workers – have been vaccinated. Nearly 90 percent of Minnesotans over the age of 65 have received at least one dose.
Since mid-April, COVID-19 cases have declined. Hospitals are seeing fewer admissions and vaccination progress has relentlessly pushed forward. Vaccines held COVID-19 variants at bay and avoided having them overwhelm our state.
Step One took place at noon on May 7. It includes initial steps to relax some restrictions, primarily in outdoor settings.
- Removes limits for outdoor dining, events, and other get-togethers, and ends the mask requirement outdoors except at large venues with over 500 people.
- Eliminates the state-established mandatory closing time for bars, restaurants, and food and beverage service at other places of public accommodation.
Step Two begins on May 28. Remaining capacity and distancing limits will come to an end, including for indoor events and gatherings. The requirements that will remain include:
- Face coverings indoors and for outdoor events that exceed 500 people.
- Businesses and other venues must have plans that keep their employees and customers safe – as they have from the beginning of the pandemic – guided only by a minimal universal state guidance document that includes no new requirements.
Step Three takes place once 70 percent of Minnesotans age 16 years and older – 3,087,404 Minnesotans – get at least one dose of the vaccine, but no later than July 1.
- The remaining face covering requirement and the requirement for preparedness plans will end. Work on vaccines will continue, and local jurisdictions and entities may set their own mask policies.
Because the youngest Minnesotans are not yet eligible for the vaccine, the Safe Learning Plan for schools will continue until the end of the school year to protect students, teachers, and staff in schools.
Additional protections will remain, including the eviction moratorium, a ban on price gouging, and eligibility exemptions for people who receive state services. The state will continue its emergency efforts to get Minnesotans tested and vaccinated.
Accessing a Vaccine in Minnesota
It’s important now more than ever to power through to the finish line and ensure the safety of all community members. Be sure to utilize the State Vaccine Connector to find vaccination sites near you, create an appointment, and keep up to date with the progress until we can safely reunite.
Rent Assistance Available
RentHelpMN has opened for applications, making it possible for low- and moderate-income renters to get caught up on overdue rent and utilities dating back to March 13, 2020. It also makes provisions for those at risk of falling behind on rent payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month where we celebrate generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders who have enriched America’s history and are instrumental in its future success.
Check out this list put together by the YWCA to learn the names and stories of 20 AAPI women to know and celebrate.
Please reach out to me at rep.cedrick.frazier@house.mn with any questions or concerns about legislative issues in the Minnesota House, I look forward to hearing from you!
In Service,
Cedrick Frazier
State Representative, District 45A
Minnesota House of Representatives