Dear Neighbors,
Today, 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 takes 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.
Session Timeline
Session ends on May 17th in accordance with the Minnesota Constitution. Conference Committees are still negotiating final agreements – more to come next week.
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.
Town Hall Event: May 27, 7:00 PM
District 49 legislators will be hosting a Zoom Town Hall on Monday, May 24 at 7:00 PM. While the event will occur on Zoom, we will make sure it is live-streamed and posted on each legislator’s Facebook pages for those unable to join us.
You can register for the event by clicking this link. Pre-submitted questions will be given priority and you will receive a link to the Zoom meeting a day before the event through the email you enter during registration.
Unanimous Vote for Dr. Staci Stanely for Edina Superintendent
The Edina School Board finalized interviews last night and voted unanimously for Dr. Stacie Stanley to lead Edina Public Schools as our new Superintendent!
Much gratitude to all the qualified candidates for their time and talents and to the Edina School Board for your work to find EPS a strong education leader to take on this important role for our district.
You can read more here.
Summer Student Working Group / Internship
My office will be hosting a 3 week Summer Bill Writing Working Group / Internship from July 12 to July 30th. This opportunity is open for all high schooler levels from incoming Freshman to graduating Seniors.
If you know a student that may be interested – have them apply today!
This is an unpaid internship where students will learn how legislation is created on the State level. Students will meet twice a week during the internship. Most meetings will be held on zoom with the exception of one or two meetings that will be held outside. A letter of completion will be given to all students who successfully finish this program!
Applications must be submitted by May 15, 2021.
Edina Give and Go Seeks an Executive Director
Are you passionate about making sure every student in our community, no matter their socioeconomic background, has access to opportunities to learn, play and grow?
The Edina Give and Go Board of Directors is seeking an Executive Director who will continue to lead and support our mission to bring life and learning opportunities to Edina Public Schools students who are economically disadvantaged. We do this through advocacy and by removing financial barriers creating access to arts, academic and athletic opportunities in our community.
You can learn more here.
I want to thank Maggie McCracken, who has been leading this amazing Edina organization for years. Her service, passion and desire to ensure that every student had an opportunity to succeed was honored!
Please continue to contact me anytime at rep.heather.edelson@house.mn or 651-296-4363 with your input or questions. You’re welcome also to follow me or ‘like’ my official Facebook page for additional updates.
Thank you for the honor of representing our Edina residents and families in the Minnesota House!
Sincerely,
Heather Edelson
State Representative