Dear Neighbors,
We’re wrapping up another busy week at the Minnesota Legislature. A few of my bills received public hearings, including an ambitious plan to address the climate crisis. Called the Next Generation Climate Act, this legislation significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions. By 2050, our state would achieve net-zero emissions across all sectors!
If it’s enacted, the Next Generation Climate Act would be one of the most ambitious plans in the nation. If you’d like to learn more about it, you can watch a public hearing on the bill here.
COVID-19 Vaccine Connector
If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, I encourage you to sign up for the new COVID-19 Vaccine Connector. This tool, which launched yesterday, helps Minnesotans find out when, where, and how to get vaccinated. It will let you know when you’re eligible to receive a vaccine, connect you to resources to schedule a vaccine appointment, and notify you if there are vaccine opportunities in your area. Signing up is free and easy, and you don’t need insurance or identification. Visit mn.gov/vaccineconnector or call 833-431-2053 to sign up.
New Guidance for Schools and Businesses
Earlier this week, Governor announced a plan to allow more middle and high school students to return to the classroom. Starting February 22, middle schools and high schools can begin welcoming students back for hybrid or in-person learning. The governor expects all schools will offer some form of in-person learning by March 8.
As new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to decline, Governor Walz is making cautious adjustments to the measures that aim to slow the spread of COVID-19. Last week, he took several steps to further reopen Minnesota’s economy, including allowing restaurants to stay open until 11 p.m. and making the following changes to capacity regulations:
- Increasing the “not to exceed” capacity in restaurants while maintaining the maximum capacity at 50 percent
- Increasing the “not to exceed” capacity for indoor entertainment, while leaving the maximum capacity at 25 percent
- Increasing the “not to exceed” capacity for private events and celebrations to 50 people, while maintaining a maximum capacity of 25
- Increasing the “not to exceed” capacity for gyms and pools, while leaving the maximum capacity at 25 percent and reducing distancing requirements to six feet
We all want the pandemic to be over, but we’re not out of the woods yet, especially with new, more contagious variants of the virus emerging. Please continue wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, avoiding large gatherings, and getting tested if needed.
If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to reach out. I always appreciate hearing from you! You can contact me by email at rep.patty.acomb@house.mn or by calling 651-296-9934.
Sincerely,
Patty Acomb
State Representative